The chapter is set in November 1961 when societal norms for women were conservative, the sixties movement was not yet recognized, and the climate was one of post-war optimism mixed with covert conflicts.
The 30-year-old mother of Madeline Zott, Elizabeth, felt her life was stagnant and over, yet she continued her daily routine, including preparing her daughter's lunch for school.
Elizabeth Zott included notes in Madeline's lunch box with messages encouraging independence, competitiveness, and a critical view of people's nature.
Madeline Zott, at age five, was an exceptional child, able to read advanced literature and understand complex concepts, but struggled with simpler tasks like tying shoes and playing tic-tac-toe.
Early educational prowess, like Madeline's, wasn't celebrated, as it only indicated proficiency in skills others would also eventually acquire; this made Madeline more irritating than special to peers.
Madeline recognized the disadvantages of not fitting in, influenced by her mother's struggles with social acceptance; thus, she kept her abilities private and acted like an average child at school.
Every morning, Madeline concealed the notes her mother put in her lunchbox, maintaining the appearance of being illiterate and an average child.
The chapter describes the ritual of Elizabeth Zott's careful and affectionate send-off for her daughter before she leaves for her job at a television studio.
Elizabeth Zott, despite her personal feelings of despair, was the successful star of a television show titled "Supper at Six," which somewhat contrasted her own view of her life.