Lessons in Chemistry

Despite the focus very clearly being on Elizabeth, Lessons in Chemistry features a third-person omniscient narrator. Why do you think Garmus made this choice? How does it fit with the plot and themes of the book?

Examine the characters of Wakely and Dr. Mason. What function do they carry out in the book? What ideas do their characters speak to, in the context of the patriarchy?

Lessons in Chemistry is set in a particular socio-historical context, the late 50s and early 60s in the USA. Irrespective of this setting, do you find modern relevance in the situations and ideas explored in the book? What characteristics of the book make it appealing to today’s audience?

Closely examine the portrayal of religion, faith, science, and humanity in the book. What relation do these ideas have to each other? Do any of them stand in opposition to each other? What role do each of them play in the larger story?

Elaborate on the depth of societal conditioning with respect to gender roles and norms using Calvin’s character as an example.

Compare and contrast the characters of Miss Frask and Mrs. Mudford. In what ways do each of them seem to perpetuate patriarchal notions of women and their roles? How and why do they differ?

The character of Six-Thirty, the dog, is endowed with an almost-human sensibility, with an unusually high intelligence and perceptiveness, coherent thoughts, and concrete responses and feelings. Comment on this touch of magical realism in the book. What does it bring to the story?

Illustrate how traditional conceptions of a good parent and a stable family are turned on their head, using the examples of the various families and parents that are presented in the story.