Elizabeth Zott

Elizabeth Zott is the protagonist of Lessons in Chemistry. Elizabeth is many things. She is a scientist, a lover, a friend, a mother, a television host, and an excellent cook. In fact, most of Elizabeth’s growth comes from accepting that she does not need to fit into one neat and tidy identity.

After Calvin’s passing, Elizabeth refers to him as her soulmate. Indeed, their love feels like “chemistry” (354). Calvin encourages Elizabeth’s career ambitions as well as her hobbies, like rowing. In this sense, he is different from the other men she knows. Nevertheless, Elizabeth stays true to her vow to never marry, even when Calvin proposes. She does break her vow to never have children, though, once Calvin passes away.

Mad is the second great love of Elizabeth’s life. They have a friendly, playful, intellectual, egalitarian relationship. Six-Thirty and Harriet often worry about...