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Chapter 33: Faith
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
The bishop of All Saints recalls how in 1933, he was tasked with securing long-term funding for the Iowa boys home, after which he would be transferred to a better location. He had no success until 1937, when a man named Wilson from the Parker Foundation (a wealthy Catholic organization) came looking for Calvin Evans with the intention of adopting him. The bishop had been expecting that Wilson was planning to give him money, which the home desperately needed.
The bishop’s recollection provides a startling twist to the history of Calvin and the All Saints Boys Home. By falsely claiming Calvin’s death and suggesting the creation of a memorial fund, the bishop secured financial support for the home through unethical means, making him yet another religious figure in the novel with questionable morals.
Themes
As such, the bishop lied and told Wilson that Calvin was dead, and he suggested setting up a donor fund in his name. Shocked, Wilson agreed to establish the Calvin Evans Memorial Fund, which would be dedicated to science and sports. However, when Calvin later appeared on the cover of "Chemistry Today," Avery Parker of the Parker Foundation called, furious to learn that Calvin was in fact alive, and the endowment was canceled.
The bishop manipulated Calvin’s life and identity for financial gain, casting a shadow over his early years and the motives of those who were responsible for his care. Eventually, his scheme blew up in his face, but not before ruining Calvin’s life and ensuring he would never meet his biological father.
Themes
In the present, the bishop, weary of past complications related to Calvin, has been evading Wakely’s calls. To confirm Madeline’s doubts, Wakely contacts the home again, posing as a potential donor inquiring about Calvin Evans. This leads to an admission from the bishop that Calvin was indeed raised there and the revelation of the Parker Foundation's involvement in the Calvin Evans Memorial Fund.
The bishop’s admission confirms the existence of the Calvin Evans Memorial Fund and the Parker Foundation’s involvement, shedding light on a part of Calvin’s past that was shrouded in secrecy. The bishop’s cagey behavior does not surprise Wakely, suggesting that there are many people in Wakely’s profession who similarly abuse their power.
Themes
Wakely shares this information with Madeline, including the post box number for the Parker Foundation, hinting that Wilson might have been her “fairy godmother.” Madeline is puzzled by the Foundation’s decision to fund and then withdraw support for a memorial in her father's name while he was still alive. Despite the mystery, she remains determined to uncover the truth, impressing Wakely with her insight that faith is not exclusively tied to religion.
Once again, Madeline is wise well beyond her years. She manages to find holes in the bishop’s story that Wakely himself missed, while also articulating philosophical views on the nature of faith. Although Madeline disentangles faith from religion, she does not appear to have a negative attitude toward religion like her mother.
Themes
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