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Chapter 3: Hastings Research Institute
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
Three weeks later, Elizabeth and Calvin are standing in a parking lot, arguing about their research. Calvin had made a point over the last three weeks to treat Elizabeth just like he would anyone else. However, secretly, he is falling in love with her, and has a hard time focusing on the research at hand. Meanwhile, although Elizabeth appreciates Calvin’s attempt to act professional, she thinks he tends to come off as rude. Still, she feels attracted to him and regularly gets the urge to kiss him. Finally, while standing in the parking lot, she decides to act on that urge and kisses Calvin as they are saying their goodbyes.
Even though she wishes she felt differently, Elizabeth’s private desires ultimately supersede her wish to remain on professional terms with Calvin. Elizabeth and Calvin know this action could potentially change the dynamics of their relationship, for better or worse. However, they decide to take a leap of faith and trust that the other has their best interests in mind, both personally and professionally.
Themes
