What are the motifs in Madame Curie by Marie Curie?

Self-sacrifice is a recurring idea found consistently throughout Eva Curie's biography, "Madame Curie". On several counts, Marie Curie embodies the martyred heroine spoken of in the introductions of her biography. She seems to have been a woman for whom self-sacrifice came easily and naturally, and for which the author is suggesting that she should be admired. From the beginning of her life as a young woman until the end of her life, caused by her dedication and aforementioned industriousness, the writer portrays Curie as a noble and generous person who is willing to sacrifice her own self-comfort, security, and eventually even her health in order to help others.