Fever

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses racist violence.

Allen is the primary narrator and protagonist of “Fever.” Based on the famous African American minister Richard Allen, Wideman’s character is a leader in his community and in his family. He works alongside Dr. Rush to aid victims of the fever and perform autopsies of the deceased. 

The sight of dead and decaying bodies, particularly of Black families and newcomers from San Domingo or the Southern US, leads Allen to reflect on the promises of Philadelphia, not only as a free city but also as one built on the ideals of Quaker egalitarianism. His consciousness travels from the present moment to past experiences and to stories he’s overheard about the slave insurrection at Cap Francois in Haiti. These reflections lead Allen to question whether he’s done the right thing by agreeing to accompany Dr. Rush. Although he’s performing a valuable service for the city, it’s ultimately a place that has racially abused him, fellow African Americans, and the newly freed San Domingans. Allen comes to realize The Presence of Colonialism and Slavery in “Free” American Cities.

Allen provides insight into the previously buried experience of African Americans in Philadelphia during the fever.