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Chapter 14: Grief
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
Elizabeth, now visibly pregnant, often receives unsolicited advice regarding her pregnancy from people she meets when she goes out. In particular, women like to tell her how difficult her life is going to become after she has her child. Frustrated, she decides to consult Dr. Mason, an obstetrician who also leads the rowing team.
Unlike everyone else, Dr. Mason treats Elizabeth's pregnancy with impartiality and professionalism. He empathizes with her and recognizes that motherhood might not be every woman’s aspiration. He even subtly tells her that he approves of abortion, though it is not legal. This understanding approach deeply moves Elizabeth, marking the first time someone has shown her such empathy since Calvin’s death.
Like Elizabeth, Dr. Mason’s political attitudes are quite progressive for his time, which helps the two of them connect. Although their conversation is deeply personal, it also gestures toward a wider discussion about the treatment of women and their bodies.
Themes
Dr. Mason expresses both surprise and admiration when he learns that Elizabeth has continued using the rowing machine during her pregnancy. He believes this has been beneficial for her strength and health. Encouraged by her dedication, he invites her to rejoin the rowing team a year later, after she has given birth and recovered. He acknowledges Elizabeth’s skill as a rower and reassures her that she will manage childbirth and recovery well.
Garmus implies that Elizabeth’s persistent rowing is an attempt to get her body to miscarry. However, here Dr. Mason informs her that the opposite is true. Dr. Mason knows how Elizabeth feels about her situation and understands her. However, he is also careful to ensure that she is prepared for what is to come.
Themes
