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Lessons In Chemistry By Elizabeth Zott

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In the 1950s and 1960s, women in patriarchal societies were forced to conform to stereotypes and oppression as a result of their sex. Many women in this time accept the stereotypes such as that women are unintelligent and weak. In Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons In Chemistry, Elizabeth Zott is an example of a woman who ignores these obstacles and does not conform to this status quo. Through her partner Calvin Evans, Elizabeth discovers a passion for rowing. She uses the skills and traits she learns through rowing to persevere and oppose the stereotypes and oppression she endures. Qualities such balance, communications, and optimism aid her in doing so. Therefore the qualities that Elizabeth Zott learns through rowing symbolize her unwillingness to conform …show more content…

In Particular, Elizabeth Zott demonstrates balance in her work and office gossip. At Hasting’s Research Institute, Elizabeth is a target for gossip as she is intelligent and is in a relationship with the smartest man in the office, Clavin Evans. She is able to withstand the rude comments from her coworkers such as “I don't understand her” and “Why’s she still here?” (Garmus 43). It takes a great amount of balance to be able to ignore such rude comments. Oftentimes, patriarchal stereotypes assume that women like to partake in gossip and office drama. However, Elizabeth disregards this stereotype as she ignores the negative comments. Elizabeth balances having some friends in the office and focusing on her research. As well, Elizabeth continues to portray balance when she continues her career while also battling episodes of PTSD: “Elizabeth, accustomed to the first words but stunned by the last, pressed herself against a wall, overcome by a wave of nausea” (Garmus 15). Undoubtedly, Elizabeth is stunned by the comments her boss Mr.Donatti calls her. The slur Mr. Donatti reminds her of the sexual assault trauma she receives from Dr. Meyers. She continues to show that women are able to neglect the false image that women are weak and cannot handle several difficult emotions while also being career driven and intelligent . In fact, this determination in her work demonstrates that women everywhere face discrimination based on their sex: “Gender issues play a part in every aspect of human production and experience” (Ahn np). Additionally, Elizabeth conquers rough waters since she frightens her boss at her second job, the broadcasting center Phil Lebensmal into a heart attack when he tries to sexually assault her. She entered his office to discuss her work when he attempted to sexually assault her,

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