Elizabeth refuses to accept limits placed on her by society and insists that others also ignore those limits. How do each of those characters ultimately rise to that challenge? And in what ways have you or others been limited by societal norms?

Book Clubs Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Discussion
1

Elizabeth refuses to accept limits placed on her by society and insists that others also ignore those limits. How do each of those characters ultimately rise to that challenge? And in what ways have you or others been limited by societal norms?

2

Elizabeth supports Madeline when she challenges her teacher. Madeline wants to get it right and her teacher is satisfied with myths. Madeline also presses to find out more about Calvin. She enlists many characters to help her in this and she does not let obstacles stop her. Elizabeth encourages viewers of her show to pursue what they really want to do in life and some succeed, much to her delight. The women in my family were trailblazers. My paternal grandmother was a suffragette. These strong women (and supportive men) always encouraged me to identify my goals and pursue them. I am continuing advocating for women and encouraging my own granddaughters to be bold.

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3

I admired Elizabeth’s independence and refusal to accept societial limits; however, given the era in which the story takes place, I thought that this was unrealistic.

4

The character that seemed to really rise above limits set by the teacher was Elizabeth’s daughter. Madeline’s refusal to accept her teacher’s limitations with Madeline’s family tree was huge and showed the depth and breadth of Madeline’s values.