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Chapter 44: The Acorn
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
Avery shares with Elizabeth that Madeline wrote written to Wilson regarding the family tree she created, which was published alongside the Life magazine article. Madeline wrote about how Calvin had been raised in a home she believed Wilson was funding. This letter prompted Avery to conduct further investigations, eventually unraveling the story.
Madeline’s letter to Wilson is a crucial piece in the puzzle that kickstarted Avery's actions and ultimately led to the uncovering of Calvin’s past. Although she is just a child, Madeline is perhaps the figure most responsible for bringing her family together.
Themes
Curious, Elizabeth asks about Calvin’s biological father. Avery reveals that he died from tuberculosis before Calvin was born. Then she shares the story of their meeting. In turn, Elizabeth recounts her own first encounter with Calvin. Avery expresses a desire to learn more about Calvin and to be a part of Elizabeth’s family. Elizabeth warmly responds, affirming that Avery is already family.
Avery's disclosure of Calvin’s biological father's fate, succumbing to tuberculosis before Calvin’s birth, adds a layer of tragedy to Calvin's backstory. However, it also lifts the oppressive lie that the bishop told Calvin—that is, that Calvin’s father hated him.
Themes
As Avery prepares to leave with Wilson, Elizabeth extends an invitation to them for “supper at six” at her home lab. She includes Walter, Harriet, Madeline, and Six-Thirty in the invitation and mentions that they should also meet Dr. Mason and Wakely soon because she considers them family. After Avery and Wilson depart, Elizabeth and Six-Thirty return to the lab and begin researching abiogenesis.
Elizabeth’s response to Avery’s wish to be part of her family is a gesture of acceptance. Likewise, the inclusion of Walter, Harriet, Madeline, Six-Thirty, Dr. Mason, and Wakely in Elizabeth’s circle reflects the idea that her family extends beyond biological relationships. For Elizabeth, a one’s family includes those one loves and cares for, regardless of genetic makeup.
Themes
