Love, Theoretically

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?

Several characters from Hazelwood’s other novels are mentioned or have cameos within Love, Theoretically. Is there any significance to these inclusions? What does knowing that all of Hazelwood’s novels take place in the same universe say about Love, Theoretically and the characters within?

At the beginning of the first chapter of the novel, Elsie mentions that her Halloween costume throughout middle school was the duality of light. What does “the duality of light—the idea that light could be two different things at once, depending on what others wanted to see” (15)—symbolize in regard to Elsie’s growth as a character?

Contemporary romance novels often include depictions of sex to show a connection between the main characters. Does the inclusion of characters on the aromantic/asexual spectrum subvert this trope in any way? Why or why not?

When Elsie mentions Grethe Turner to Laurendeau, he refuses to even hear her name. What does this reveal about Laurendeau’s character and how he thinks of others in relation to himself?

Toward the end of the novel, Elsie reports Laurendeau’s improper conduct, and his university takes her claims seriously. However, there is no mention of what happens to Laurendeau after this. Is there any evidence in the novel to suggest why Hazelwood omits this significant detail when she talks about the futures of all other characters in the epilogue?

Throughout the novel, emails, text messages, and other written communications sent to Elsie are included at the beginnings of chapters. What impact do these insertions have on the novel? What is Hazelwood trying to convey about Elsie’s people-pleasing by making these additions to the text?