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Chapter 30: 99 Percent
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
Lebensmal suffers a heart attack and is hospitalized for three weeks, followed by an entire year of bed rest, making work impossible for him. Walter is shocked to discover that Elizabeth was present during the incident and called for an ambulance. He is also appalled to learn that Elizabeth met Lebensmal alone in the evening, despite his warnings against it.
Elizabeth’s proactive measures during Lebensmal’s heart attack demonstrate her quick thinking and willingness to help even the most despicable people when they are in need. Her presence of mind to call an ambulance likely saves Lebensmal’s life.
Themes
Elizabeth reveals to Walter that Lebensmal fired the entire team before attempting to assault her. She also tells him that Lebensmal’s heart attack was the result of her pulling out a knife—the same knife she uses on her show. While waiting for the ambulance, Elizabeth took the opportunity to look through documents in Lebensmal’s office. She discovered that contrary to Lebensmal’s claims, Supper at Six has actually been performing very well and has even had offers for syndication and new sponsorships.
Elizabeth’s discovery of the show’s success and Lebensmal’s deceptive practices reveals the underhandedness of his management. Clearly, Supper at Six has great potential, as it has remained relatively popular even with Lebensmal sabotaging it. The discovery of this information gives Elizabeth and Walter the leverage to take control of the situation and move the show in a more positive direction.
Themes
With Lebensmal incapacitated, Walter steps up as the acting executive producer. He successfully syndicates the show nationwide and secures new sponsorship deals, significantly boosting revenue. When updating the KCTV staff about Lebensmal’s health, the news of his heart attack is met with applause, reflecting his unpopularity. The staff sends a get-well card to Lebensmal, filled with remarks that show their disdain for him. Inspired by Elizabeth's advice to tell Lebensmal what he really thinks of him, Walter boldly writes on the card, “MAY YOU NEVER RECOVER.”
The staff’s reaction to Lebensmal’s heart attack and the get-well card’s sarcastic remarks indicate his lack of popularity and the negative impact he had on the workplace environment. Walter’s decision to follow Elizabeth’s advice and express his true feelings toward Lebensmal reflects the deep resentment he harbors toward him, which he previously did not have the courage to express.
Themes
