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Chapter 29: Bonding
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 receives a call from Mrs. Mudford about the family photograph that Madeline included with her family tree assignment. Elizabeth, who never learned of the assignment, does not know what she is talking about. After Elizabeth finishes speaking with Mrs. Mudford, Harriet tells her that the reverend (Wakely) from the First Presbyterian Church has been inquiring about Madeline. Additionally, the LA Times has been repeatedly calling the house because they want an interview with Elizabeth. However, Elizabeth is not interested in doing interviews because she does not want herself or Madeline exposed to the public eye.
Mrs. Mudford's call about the family photograph reveals that Elizabeth has isolated herself against what is going on in her own home, as this is the first time she has heard about the assignment. Although Wakely has good intentions for calling, his call is one among many Elizabeth has received since starting her show, which makes her wonder whether her job (and the publicity that comes with it) is going to end up hurting Madeline.
Themes
Walter calls Elizabeth to sympathize over Amanda's troubles with the family tree project and informs her of Lebensmal's dissatisfaction with the show. He asks Elizabeth to feature a canned soup from a potential sponsor in an upcoming episode to make things better. Rather than respond to Walter’s suggestion, Elizabeth suggests that she meet with Lebensmal in person. However, Walter forbids her from ever doing so, especially if she is alone.
Walter's call shows his concern for Elizabeth's wellbeing, but also conveys the pressure from Lebensmal regarding the show's direction. Walter forbids Elizabeth from seeing Lebensmal by herself, partly because he knows the meeting will end poorly, and partly because he seems to think Lebensmal is a dangerous man.
Themes
The week worsens as Mrs. Mudford starts spreading gossip about the children’s families, revealing sensitive information about Madeline and Amanda. Additionally, Elizabeth discovers she is being paid significantly less than her male colleagues at KCTV and is excluded from profit-sharing opportunities. The same day, she comes home from work and sees that Harriet has suffered an injury because Mr. Sloane through a bottle at her in a drunken rage. Despite Elizabeth's fury, Harriet refuses to involve the police and insists on handling the situation herself.
The incident with Harriet and Mr. Sloane introduces a domestic violence subplot, adding another problematic situation Elizabeth feels she must confront, despite already dealing with multiple stressors. Harriet’s reluctance to involve the police is a common reaction in such situations, reflecting the complex emotions and fears involved in abusive relationships.
Themes
The next day, Elizabeth openly criticizes the sponsor's soup on her show and assures her audience that it will harm them if they ingest it. She also addresses the gender pay gap before demonstrating how to make a broccoli-mushroom casserole from scratch.
Elizabeth’s on-air criticism of the sponsor’s soup and her discussion of the gender pay gap are acts of defiance that ensure her show is made to benefit the women watching it.
Themes
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After her latest performance, Lebensmal summons Elizabeth for a meeting, and despite Rosa’s warning not to go alone, Elizabeth confronts him. Lebensmal tries to intimidate her, and when that fails, he fires her and everyone else on the show. Unfazed, Elizabeth accuses him of wanting a show that upholds societal norms and limits women. In a final show of power, Lebensmal undresses in front of her and moves toward her. In response, Elizabeth pulls a large knife out of her purse, the sight of which causes Lebensmal to faint.
Unlike her earlier encounter with Dr. Meyers, Elizabeth knows what to expect from Lebensmal and is prepared for him when he attempts to assault her. Given that this is the second instance of attempted sexual assault in the novel, there is a broader suggestion that such occurrences happen often and disallow women from being able to feel safe at work.
Themes
