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Chapter 15: Unsolicited Advice
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
Five weeks later, following her consultation with Dr. Mason, Elizabeth and Six-Thirty head to the library to return books. Elizabeth believes she still has two weeks until her due date. However, Six-Thirty notices signs that Elizabeth’s water has broken and interprets her complaints of hunger as pre-labor contractions. Near the library, Elizabeth experiences intense pain and realizes she needs to get to a hospital. Thirteen hours later, she gives birth to Madeline.
As always, Six-Thirty is by Elizabeth’s side, making sure she is well taken care of. Madeline’s birth is sudden and is not something that Garmus chooses to dwell on. Although pregnancy is obviously an important part of Elizabeth’s life, Garmus elides the majority of that experience because she does not want it to define her protagonist.
Themes
Elizabeth leaves the hospital the next day with Madeline and returns to Six-Thirty, who eagerly awaits them at home. The reunion is filled with joy, and they momentarily feel like a complete family. However, this joyous atmosphere evaporates moments later when Madeline starts crying.
Despite Elizabeth’s reluctance to have a child, Madeline’s birth is a joyous moment for her. However, Madeline’s cries serve as a reminder of how difficult motherhood will be—especially since she has to go through the process alone.
Themes
