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Chapter 10: The Leash
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Lessons in Chemistry, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Gender Inequality
Science vs. Religion
Overcoming Tragedy and Trauma
Family
Summary
Analysis
During their jog, Calvin and Six-Thirty pass the police station. As they pass the station, several police cars that are in poor shape backfire, startling Six-Thirty. Six-Thirty, frightened, jerks the leash in the opposite direction from Calvin. Calvin tries to maintain his balance, but instead slips on some motor oil and falls hard against the ground. The fall splits his skull. Moments later a police car backs over him because he is laying where they cannot see him.
Here, the narrative backs up slightly to elaborate on the shocking events revealed at the end of the previous chapter. Despite the novel’s ideological adherence to scientific principles, its plot often relies on coincidence and fate to progress. Calvin’s death serves as the catalyst for everything that happens in the novel moving forward.
Themes
When the police realize what they have done, they get out of the car and try to help Calvin. Nearby, Six-Thirty looks on and can tell that Calvin is close to death. Before long, an ambulance shows up, but it is already too late. Realizing nothing can be done, Six-Thirty walks home and prepares to comfort Elizabeth.
Here, Six-Thirty demonstrates that—even though he is a dog—he is more perceptive than many of the humans around him. In addition to his awareness of Calvin’s death, he also recognizes that Elizabeth will soon need him more than ever.
Themes
