Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus
Contents
Chapter 33: Faith
Overview
Elizabeth’s on-air atheism sparks sponsor fury, but she stands by scientific reasoning, condemns diet pills, and ties DNA to civil rights. Reverend Wakely, shaken and curious, watches with Miss Frask and later reassures Madeline about belief. His inquiry to All Saints finds no record of Calvin Evans, intensifying the mystery of Calvin’s past.
Summary
In the aftermath of Elizabeth Zott’s on-air admission that she does not believe in God, Walter Pine’s phone fills with threats from sponsors and viewers. Walter slips Harriet and Madeline out, then confronts Elizabeth in her dressing room. Elizabeth argues for equal freedom of belief, while Walter warns of repercussions; she replies, “Have a little faith.”
Elsewhere, Reverend Wakely, drained after a difficult congregant, returns to find his typist, Miss Frask, watching Supper at Six. Together they see Elizabeth use DNA to argue against racial discrimination and support civil rights, then deliver a barbed Darwin quip about ignorance.
During audience questions, Francine Luftson asks about dieting. Elizabeth discovers many in the audience take diet pills and orders them to stop, calling the pills amphetamines. She suggests exercise—specifically rowing—as a healthier alternative, then wearily navigates a challenge about “souls,” her thoughts flicking to Calvin.
After the broadcast, Miss Frask tells Wakely she once worked with Elizabeth at Hastings and that the show is syndicated. Wakely’s surprise at the rowing reference prompts Frask to ask if he knows other rowers, hinting at a connection he’s already pursuing.
Later in the park, Wakely meets Madeline and Six-Thirty. He reassures Madeline that not believing in God is acceptable and even calls science a kind of religion. Two passing women quote Elizabeth’s technical advice, underscoring the show’s reach. Wakely then reports his inquiry to All Saints: the secretary says there’s no record of Calvin Evans. Madeline insists All Saints is correct and concludes, pointedly, that people lie.
Who Appears
- Elizabeth ZottTV chemist who defends atheism, links DNA to civil rights, condemns diet pills, and promotes rowing despite sponsor backlash.
- Reverend WakelyPastor wrestling with faith; watches the show, reassures Madeline, and learns All Saints has no record of Calvin.
- Walter PineProducer inundated by sponsor threats; urges Elizabeth to avoid controversy and fears consequences for the show.
- Madeline ZottElizabeth’s daughter; meets Wakely with Six‑Thirty, accepts his reassurance, and suspects a lie about Calvin’s records.
- Miss FraskWakely’s typist and Elizabeth’s former Hastings colleague; watches the broadcast and notes Elizabeth’s syndication.
- Francine LuftsonAudience member whose dieting question prompts Elizabeth’s warning about amphetamines and push for exercise.
- Six-ThirtyFamily dog accompanying Madeline; bonds with Wakely in the park.