Chapter 38: Brownies

Summary

• The chapter, titled "Brownies," is set in July 1961 and discusses the popularity explosion of the television show "Supper at Six" due to controversy.
• Walter, speaking to Elizabeth Zott in his office, tries to console her about negative publicity and highlights the potential for financial gain through merchandising and endorsements.
• Elizabeth rejects a poorly conceived endorsement idea from Mattel for a girl's chemistry set, emphasizing her disdain for its stereotypical marketing approach.
• During the taping of her show, Elizabeth impulsively switches from cooking eggplant to making brownies, signaling her frustration with recent events.
• Madeline, Elizabeth's daughter, watches the show from home and we learn that Elizabeth makes brownies on her bad days.
• Harriet, the babysitter, leaves Madeline alone at home with strict instructions not to answer the door or phone or to leave.
• Madeline, feeling proud and then deeply troubled by a "Life" magazine article about her mother, seeks refuge in the library and is confronted with false claims about Elizabeth's life.
• Reverend Wakely visits Madeline during the television show and they have a conversation about the negative impact of the "Life" article and family dynamics.
• Wakely realizes the potential issues of being alone with Madeline and attempts to leave before Elizabeth returns unexpectedly early from her show taping.
• Wakely and Elizabeth recognize each other from Calvin Evans's funeral; Wakely expresses his failed attempt to console Elizabeth back then while Madeline learns of their prior encounter.
• Madeline and Wakely discuss the concept of "illegitimacy" and societal myths with Elizabeth, who reveals that an article's significant insights about her views on society didn't make the final Life article.
• Madeline feels guilt over inadvertently sharing her family tree with "Life" magazine and is consoled by Elizabeth.
• Elizabeth receives a previously unpublished article from the "Life" journalist Frank Roth, which pays respect to her and other female scientists, alongside a note of Roth's intentions to seek truth.
• As Elizabeth acknowledges the value of Roth's unpublished article, Madeline reveals her sadness over her belief that Elizabeth's television career is due to her own existence, which Elizabeth gently refutes.