Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus
Contents
Chapter 42: Personnel
Overview
Elizabeth receives no research offers after quitting TV, her credibility damaged by Life. Summoned by newly empowered Frask, she learns the Parker Foundation has taken over Hastings, fires Donatti for misconduct, and offers Elizabeth head of Chemistry. Harriet secretly places Roth’s article, and a Vogue cover signals a shifting public narrative.
Summary
In January 1962, Elizabeth Zott’s anticipated flood of research offers never arrives. Life’s quotes from prominent chemists undermine her credibility, and the only version of Elizabeth that seems to interest the public is the TV cook. Harriet urges her to return to the show, but Elizabeth refuses.
A cryptic call from Frask reveals a surprise: Frask is now head of Personnel at Hastings and wants Elizabeth to come in—dog included. Meanwhile, Harriet, newly determined to build a magazine career, secretly submits Roth’s women-in-science article without permission, then endures months of silence and suspects her husband may be interfering.
At Hastings, a starstruck receptionist shows Elizabeth a Vogue cover—“Why Their Minds Matter”—featuring Elizabeth, implying Harriet’s gambit succeeded. In Calvin’s old lab, Wilson and Avery Parker of the Parker Foundation invite Elizabeth to resume her abiogenesis research at Hastings. Elizabeth declines for personal reasons.
Donatti barges in, only to learn the Parker Foundation has acquired a majority stake and uncovered malfeasance, faked results, and plagiarism. Avery presents his termination notice; Frask is reinstated as head of Personnel. The Foundation offers head of Chemistry to Elizabeth. After assessing Donatti, Elizabeth hands him a pen, concluding, “You’re just not smart enough.”
Who Appears
- Elizabeth ZottProtagonist; shunned by research institutions, meets Parker Foundation at Hastings, declines a return, and is offered head of Chemistry.
- Miss FraskNew head of Personnel at Hastings; orchestrates the meeting, drives a housecleaning, and backs offering Elizabeth the top chemistry post.
- Avery ParkerParker Foundation leader; announces Hastings takeover, serves Donatti’s termination, and offers Elizabeth the head of Chemistry role.
- WilsonParker Foundation representative and Frask’s lawyer; details Hastings malfeasance and helps execute Donatti’s ouster.
- Dr. Phil DonattiHastings chemistry chief; confronted with misconduct, blindsided by termination, and dismissed after Elizabeth’s cutting assessment.
- Harriet SloaneFriend and neighbor; urges Elizabeth, seeks independence via magazines, and secretly submits Roth’s article.
- Six-ThirtyElizabeth’s dog; accompanies her to Hastings, assesses newcomers, and is specially requested by the investor.