Essay Questions

Show how science is emphasized in Hope Jahren’s Lab Girl.

In her autobiography, the author talks of her journey towards science as a career, and in particular biology. As a child, the author talks of her journeys to her father’s lab and even explains how she manages to work hard and achieves her dream of being a biologist, successful and with her own laboratory. Even though as a female scientist she experiences a lot of male chauvinism and prejudice, the writer manages to work against these prejudices to emerge as successful. In this way, the writer discusses the theme of science and the prejudices involved in this field particularly for women.

Friendship is portrayed as a major bond in Hope Jahren’s Lab Girl. Show how the same is brought out in the work.

On top of family bonds and the associated affections, the importance that true friendships play in a person’s life is vital for their own growth and development. The writer presents the importance that friendship plays in her life as well as the growth of her career. In this work, Hope’s best friend is Bill and the role that he plays in Hope’s life is explicit. The two develop a rather intricate bond of friendship as they work together. In fact, the relationship is even described as that of inseparable twins.