Love, Theoretically

Though the MIT tenure-track position was always intended for George, Elsie was able to apply for it, and Monica was able to let her interview. What does this say about the politics of academia and how they function in the novel?

Allosexism is “The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses asexual people based in the belief that everyone does and should experience sexual attraction” (“Asexual/Aromantic Education Page.” UC Santa Barbara). In what ways do characters such as Elsie and Greg experience allosexism throughout Love, Theoretically, and how does it impact their relationships with other characters?

Jack and Elsie both believe that the universe is “[m]ade of patterns. Rules that can be learned, discovered, predicted,” but while Elsie thinks this means that she must shape herself to fit in with the universe, Jack believes that if you discover these rules, you can “make the world into what you want” (277). In what ways does Jack make the world into what he wants in the novel? Does Jack’s belief come only from a place of privilege? Are there any ways in which Elsie does this or Jack does the opposite?