Lessons in Chemistry

An important theme explored in the book is the kind of limitations placed upon a woman’s ambitions by patriarchal systems and institutions. The biggest example of this is Elizabeth’s story, and her professional journey in particular sees numerous hurdles throughout the book.

Early in her career, when Elizabeth is a chemist at Hastings, she is reassigned to a low-level study by Donatti, despite the fact that she is the one who spearheaded the group research study she is on; this is followed by Donatti refusing to let her continue with abiogenesis research. Donatti is motivated by his dislike for Elizabeth, as she does not fit the expectations of a typical woman of her time. He takes issue with her being smart and opinionated, and in a calculated attempt to destroy Elizabeth’s self-esteem, Donatti deems her not smart enough.

Despite saying this to Elizabeth’s face, Donatti goes on to secure funding for the Institute vis-a-vis Elizabeth’s work. He lies to Wilson about Elizabeth being a man, then goes on to reappropriate the money for other projects; furthermore, when Elizabeth is later rehired, Donatti assigns her a lab tech position even as steals her research and publishes it as his own. Donatti’s actions indicate that he is not unaware of Elizabeth’s potential and, in fact, views it as a threat to his own performance.