Prejudice and Racism

One of the prevailing themes found in "Fever" is that of prejudice. The white Philadelphians place all blame for the yellow fever that grips the city on slaves who have been sent from Santo Domingo to Philadelphia. Although there is no factual or medical evidence linking the slaves to the spread of the fever, this belief continues to prevail. African Ameri-cans are shunned throughout the city except for when their services are required, such as for caring for the sick and burying the dead.

Through the different voices, prejudice against people other than African Americans is explored. A Jewish character, Abraham, reports how he was hated by even his employees. He also explores the universality of racism in his recollection of how European Jews were often accused of bringing fever and disease that killed entire cities.

Racism is inherent in the way African Americans are treated...