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Chapter 32: Medium Rare
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
In 1960, Elizabeth’s public declaration of atheism is shocking and results in widespread controversy, even from her most devoted fans. Walter starts receiving threats from sponsors and viewers who wish harm upon Elizabeth. Despite the turmoil, Elizabeth encourages Walter to have faith that everything will turn out fine.
Elizabeth’s declaration of atheism in the year 1960 places her in the midst of a social and cultural maelstrom. At that time, such a public admission would have been especially controversial, challenging the prevailing norms and expectations of public figures.
Themes
Meanwhile, Reverend Wakely is grappling with his own faith after a challenging day. He returns to his office and finds his new part-time typist, Frask, watching Supper at Six while working. Frask reveals that she previously worked with Elizabeth at Hastings before they were both fired.
Frask's casual viewing of Supper at Six while working, and her past connection to Elizabeth, suggests that Elizabeth’s influence extends into unexpected corners of her community.
Themes
Wakely, surprised, meets with Madeline and questions why she hadn’t mentioned her mother's television presence. Madeline, under the impression that Elizabeth’s TV role was common knowledge, especially after her atheist announcement, is taken aback by his unawareness. Wakely then shares with Madeline his fruitless efforts to confirm Calvin Evans’s connection with the All Saints Boys Home. Despite multiple attempts to contact the bishop and the secretary finally telling him that they had no record of Calvin Evans, Madeline remains skeptical, convinced that the secretary is not being truthful.
Wakely’s surprise indicates a disconnect between different social circles and the varying degrees of public awareness. Seemingly every woman in the community knows about Supper at Six, yet it is barely on his radar. Additionally, Madeline’s conversation with Wakely about Calvin's past hints at potential cover-ups or lost records, deepening the mystery surrounding Calvin’s early life.
Themes
