Why does Charlie put flowers on Algernon's grave?
Algernon and Charlie form a close bond and Charlie cares for Algernon in his final days. Charlie sees Algernon as a reflection of his own destiny and after Algernon dies he insists on putting flowers on Algernon's grave.
What is the main idea of flowers for Algernon?
''Flowers for Algernon'' essentially echoes the life cycle of all humans. People begin in a childlike state of ignorance, just like Charlie does. Over time, they learn new information that changes their perception of the world around them. Much of this learning is positive and can lead to new connections with others.
What does Charlie discover about Algernon?
Now Charlie and Algernon are both free to determine their fate and to experience it without the sterility of a laboratory experiment. But Charlie has discovered the flaw in Nemur's calculations and now knows that the conclusions are premature.
Is the surgery in flowers for Algernon based on a true story?
The surgery that Charlie undergoes in Flowers for Algernon is purely fictional, although surgical techniques in the treatment of the mentally ill were being used at the time that the novel's action takes place.
How is Charlie treated in Flowers for Algernon?
Mistreatment of the Intellectually Disabled For the most part, other people have treated Charlie not only as an intellectual inferior but also as less of a human being than they are.
What procedure will the doctors use to make Charlie smarter?
Charlie's first plane trip triggers the memory of another attempt made by his mother to make him smart. This attempt involved a doctor who used electric shock therapy in his practice. With this memory, Charlie realizes that his unusually strong motivation to "be smart" came from his mother, Rose Gordon.
How do Charlie's co workers treat him?
Charlie is treated very poorly by his co-workers. They bullied him and made fun of him. After his operation they thought he was too smart and arrogant and so they didn't like him and signed a petition to get him fired.
How does Dr Strauss treat Charlie?
Strauss treating Charlie kindly, though. He tries to encourage him by explaining the operation and its effects in terms Charlie can understand. He tells Charlie: 'Your intellectual growth is going to outstrip your emotional growth....
What are three ways the operation changes Charlie's life?
What are three ways the operation changes Charlie's life? Charlie becomes able to learn many new subjects, including spelling, punctuation, foreign languages, and advanced math. Charlie becomes more aware of his emotions and the actions of other people around him, from his teacher to his co- workers.
How did the surgery improve Charlie's life?
While he learns a painful lesson, Charlie improves because he is knowledgeable about other people. Charlie's life is also improved because his experiences from the surgery make him thankful for what he has. Throughout the story, Charlie learns that he is a good person.
Why is Charlie chosen for the experiment?
Alice Kinnian, Charlie's teacher at the Beekman College Center for Retarded Adults, has recommended Charlie for the experiment because of his exceptional eagerness to learn. The directors of the experiment, Dr. Strauss and Professor Nemur, ask Charlie to keep a journal.
Why do you think the doctors want Charlie to keep his operation a secret?
Because he feels the doctors don't know about the research and may have messed up the operation. What is keeping Charlie and Miss Kinnian from becoming closer? They know that the effects of the operation won't last.
What operation did Charlie Gordon have?
Charlie Gordon did from “Flowers for Algernon” did. Charlie Gordon is a thirty seven year old man with an IQ of only sixty eight. This means he is very unintelligent. He got a controversial brain surgery tripling his intelligence.
How did Charlie feel after the operation how did the doctors help Charlie?
After the surgery, Charlie's improvement is gradual. As his intelligence increases, his feelings become more complex as memories of the way people have treated him in the past begin to surface. His desire to please decreases, and he becomes more self-aware and impatient.
What kind of experiment is Charlie a part of?
What kind of experiment is Charlie a part of at the beginning of this book? Charlie is part of an experiment that will raise his IQ. He will undergo a surgery that will break ground in stimulating intelligence. What is Charlie supposed to write about in his progress report?
What are some signs that Charlie's operation has been effective How is he changing?
What are some signs that Charlie's operations has been effective? How is he changing? A few changes Charlie has been going through are that hes been getting smarter, he's remembering things a lot better, he knows harder vocabulary, and he can write a lot faster.
What does Charlie's lack of intelligence mean?
Charlie’s lack of intelligence has made him a trusting and friendly man, as he assumes that the people in his life—most notably, his coworkers at Donner’s Bakery—are as well intentioned as he is. As his intelligence grows, however, Charlie gains perspective on his past and present. He realizes that people have often taken advantage ...
What is Charlie's disability?
Charlie is the narrator and the main character of the novel, and his miraculous transformation from intellectually disabled to genius sets the stage for Keyes to address a number of broad themes and issues. Charlie’s lack of intelligence has made him a trusting and friendly man, as he assumes that the people in his life—most notably, his coworkers at Donner’s Bakery—are as well intentioned as he is. As his intelligence grows, however, Charlie gains perspective on his past and present. He realizes that people have often taken advantage of him and have been cruel to him for sport, knowing that he would not understand. Likewise, he realizes that when people have been kind to him, it usually has been out of condescension or out of an awareness that he is inferior. These realizations cause Charlie to grow suspicious of nearly everyone around him. Interestingly, the experimental operation elevates Charlie’s intelligence to such an extent that his new genius distances him from people as much as his disability does. Charlie eventually convinces himself that he has lost feeling even for Alice Kinnian, the one person whom he feels has never betrayed him and the only one for whom he has maintained a deep affection throughout his life.
Why did the scientists convince Charlie to take part in the surgery?
The scientists convinced Charlie to take part in the surgery without truly attempting to prepare him for the reality of achieving mental greatness and then losing it all again . While they did mention the possibility to him, they cover their caution with praise, telling Charlie that he has incredible motivation.
What happens to Charlie after he has surgery?
Following the surgery, Charlie loses his friends, his job, and his belief in himself, and this is replaced with the certainty that as long as he allows people to laugh at him, he will have plenty of "friends." Charlie is more lonely and isolated at the end of the story than he was at the beginning, making a case that he is worse off than he was before.
Why is Charlie so angry after his surgery?
After the surgery, Charlie becomes aware of the stigma of his mental illness, making him angry and bitter about his treatment. "The more intelligent you become the more problems you'll have, Charlie.
Why did Charlie leave New York?
Although he claims to be thankful for having the chance to learn "a lot of things that [he] never even new were in this world" and is "grateful that [he] saw it all for a littel bit," Charlie is also filled with a new sense of loneliness, deciding to leave New York because he doesn't want to face the pity of those who had once seen him at his greatest. It is clear that Charlie lacks a supportive social network, so the question of where he will go and how he will integrate himself into a new society is difficult to envision. In Charlie's final words, his view of himself as a "dumb person" is repeated numerous times, reflecting that he now has a lessened sense of self-efficacy and self-worth.
What is Charlie's increased intellect?
However, Charlie's increased intellect also allows him to become aware of the things he was missing; real love and friendship, and rational understanding of the world. Had the surgery been permanent, Charlie would have slowly acclimated himself to life and people, and become a normal member of society.
Is Charlie better off after surgery?
In Flowers for Alger non, it might be argued that Charlie is better off after surgery because, although Charlie is cruelly used in a failed experiment in which his needs are not considered, in the end, he comes out very narrowly better because of the experience and wisdom he has gained.
Did Nemur use Charlie?
Nemur did use Charlie, who couldn't really give informed consent to the operation, as if he were a lab mouse or guinea pig and threw him away when he was no longer needed. Nevertheless, Charlie did have the chance to experience what it was like to be a genius and to have a mature relationship with a woman.
What is the book Flowers for Algernon about?
Set in the 1960s, the novel follows the story of Charlie Gordon, an intellectually disabled man who lives a simple but happy life working a cleaning job at a local bakery. Charlie's life, however, faces an abrupt change when he is offered the opportunity to participate in a novel surgical procedure to improve his intellect. Although he doesn't fully understand the risks of the operation, consent is provided on his behalf by his estranged sister and Charlie undergoes the experiment. The experiment is a success and Charlie develops intellectually at an alarming pace, soon surpassing the experimenters themselves. The rest of the book follows the, not all positive, changes that this intellect brings to Charlie's life. The novel is set in a time when American scientific experimentation could often occur without fully informed consent. This article explores the ethical side of such experiments like the one performed on Charlie, namely if it is morally right to perform a potentially dangerous experimental procedure on someone who doesn't fully understand the risks, even if it will potentially help them.
When was Flowers for Algernon written?
Flowers for Algernon is a novel written in 1966 by Daniel Keyes. Since its publication, it has received significant critical acclaim, earning a Nebula science-fiction award, and was also adapted into a feature film. Set in the 1960s, the novel follows the story of Charlie Gordon, an intellectually d ….
How old is Charlie Gordon in Flowers for Algernon?
In the story, Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, Charlie Gordon is given the opportunity to become smarter. This experience is great for him and this is why - he’s a 37-year old man who can’t really spell, use correct grammar, and punctuate very well. Charlie should have this operation because he doesn’t understand life as much as everyone else does.
What does Charlie tell Miss Kinnian?
He is telling Miss Kinnian that everything is good, but when you really analyze the text , Charlie is only doing that so she will feel better. Another example of how he does not truly show that he’s glad he got to be smart is in his progress report on July 24th: “I dont know any work but the job I used to have at Donnegans Plastic Box Company. I dont want to go back there because they all knew me when I was smart and maybe theyll laugh at me” (Keyes, 304). Again, with evidence from his previous progress reports, his note to Miss Kinnian was just a facade, merely trying to make her believe that he was fine. This is significant because Charlie seems to have lost his confidence in
Why was Jem despondent about the verdict?
The verdict of Tom Robinson’s case made young Jem despondent because he was so sure that the jury would have some some discretion and his father would win the case and felt "it ain't right" when they were told he was guilty (284). Jem couldn't wrap his head around about the idea of how the zealot jury's judgement is still clouded by the social norms of society even though there was evidence to prove Tom Robinson’s innocence. As he talks about the verdict of the case with Ms. Maudie he shares how his view of people changed. He "always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, least that's what they seemed like" (288). Jem's view of his great infallible town was crushed because of the case.
Why did Charlie know he was happier when he was ignorant?
Charlie knew that he was happier when he was ignorant, because he could not see how cruel the world actually was. Since the doctors mislead Charlie, and Charlie may likely die, the decision to have the surgery was a destructive
What does Charles Fritch mean by the cog?
In The Cog, Charles Fritch uses symbolism to show readers that life choices can cause regret in future years. The tough decisions that people make can cause the most fulfilling life or they can wake up one day miserable. James Maxwell was one who wished he had followed his dreams instead of living with a more practical life. He had a very successful life but he wasn’t doing what he had always dreamt of. He was the president of the world but by his standards, that wasn’t enough.
What was Charlie's mindset?
Charlie’s mindset of normalcy was to become intellectual; Charlie would bound at the first possible second to acquire his dream. Once Charlie was introduced to an experimental operation, Charlie craved the idea of being the test subject. Little to his knowledge, Charlie would be the first human trial with the operation. The desired after effect of both the doctors- apex opportunists- and Charlie was to increase the intelligence of a disabled man. The doctors exploited Charlie’s optimistic state, which shielded him from the dangers of the experiment.
Did Gatsby want Daisy to be with him?
Gatsby was willing to do anything for Daisy. Although it seems that things may not go as he thought they would, he is still willing to help her hoping that she would come around and want to be with him instead of Tom, but in a way, he could see the selfish side of Daisy that he never noticed before, “There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams” (Fitzgerald 92). Gatsby just could not understand why after all he did to be with her, that Daisy would not choose to be with him. He had become wealthy, he had the material things that he knew she would need, and he had become friends with powerful people that he felt would impress her. Gatsby knew that Daisy felt something for him and was willing to do whatever it took to be with her, even if it meant going against her husband, “your wife doesn’t love you, she never loved you, she loves me “Fitzgerald 73).
What is Charlie Gordon's purpose in Flowers for Algernon?
''Flowers for Algernon'' begins with Charlie Gordon, 37, describing his upcoming participation in a scientific study intended to increase intelligence. Charlie's spelling is notably bad and he uses little punctuation. It is clear that he has a limited understanding of what is happening around him: he uses the word ''amazed'' in place of ''a maze'' and has a relatively childlike perception of the world. Over the course of subsequent progress reports, Charlie notices that his intelligence is increasing fast. At first, this is a good thing: it allows him to learn about the world and to connect with others, including his teacher, Miss Kinnian. Over time, his intelligence allows him to understand that people in his life have always looked down on him. At the peak of his intelligence, he realizes that there is a flaw in the procedure that is going to cause him to regress back to his initial state. He then experiences the rapid loss of his newfound intelligence and decides to leave his life, his destination uncertain.
What are the themes of Flowers for Algernon?
There are a number of significant ''Flowers for Algernon'' themes that are explored in both the short story and the novel. These include: 1 The cycle of life 2 The danger of knowledge 3 Fate
Why was Charlie fired from his job?
He is fired from his job because his coworkers feel threatened by his intelligence. Charlie leaves flowers for Algernon on his grave. Feeling disillusioned with the scientific study and concerned that those involved view him as an experiment instead of a person, Charlie moves to New York with Algernon.
What is the difference between Charlie and Algernon?
Algernon is a lab mouse that is also taking part in the study. He was the first subject of the surgery, while Charlie is the first human to undergo the same thing.
What mouse does Charlie like?
Charlie likes Alice very much and is happy to be chosen for the experiment. Also featured in the experiment is a mouse called Algernon that is already starting to demonstrate superior intelligence. Charlie's intelligence increases and he realizes that he is attracted to Alice romantically.
What is Charlie Gordon's job?
Charlie Gordon is 32 and has a different job: he is a janitor at a factory in the short story but works in a bakery in the novel. He is taking writing classes with Miss Alice Kinnian, who is the one who initially recommends him for the study. Charlie likes Alice very much and is happy to be chosen for the experiment. Also featured in the experiment is a mouse called Algernon that is already starting to demonstrate superior intelligence.
What is Charlie's final request?
His final request, written in his original childlike style, is that someone should leave flowers on Algernon's grave.
What are Charlie's family dynamics?
Charlie's family dynamics are explained best in this progress report. His father was tired of his wife's refusal to accept Charlie for what he was. The stress in their household was great: an unhappy mother, with a child who she believed was an embarrassment; an unhappy father, both at home and also in a work situation where he felt powerless; and a younger sister, who only knew that her brother was an excellent leverage tool for her own desires. Finally there was Charlie, who only wanted to please his parents and sister.
What is Charlie's first plane trip?
Charlie's first plane trip triggers the memory of another attempt made by his mother to make him smart. This attempt involved a doctor who used electric shock therapy in his practice. With this memory, Charlie realizes that his unusually strong motivation to "be smart" came from his mother, Rose Gordon. Analysis.
Where does Charlie travel to?
Charlie travels to Chicago with Professor Nemur, Dr. Strauss, and Burt to attend the International Psychological Association convention. Here the team is to report its findings on both Charlie and Algernon. During the presentation, Charlie rebels against being constantly referred to as an inanimate object and Nemur's references to his having made Charlie what he is today. Charlie recognizes that his intelligence has surpassed that of his "creators" and that, unfortunately, Strauss' and Nemur's surgical conclusions have been premature. The permanency of his surgery cannot be deter-mined, as the wrong statistical information was used. All of this in-spires Charlie to release Algernon while onstage. The two "man-made geniuses" escape back to New York with the clock ticking.
Who is Guarino in Charlie?
Guarino, the memory of whom is triggered in Charlie by the airplane's seat-belts, had introduced himself to Charlie as his friend. Thereafter, he treated Charlie as a friend, and, more importantly, he treated Charlie as a "human being.".
Is Charlie safe from regression?
But Charlie has discovered the flaw in Nemur's calculations and now knows that the conclusions are premature. He is not yet safe from regression.
Who was Louis Pasteur?
Louis Pasteur (1822-95) a French chemist and bacteriologist.
Is Charlie mentally handicapped?
Whether mentally handicapped or intelligent, Charlie 's mental status is on exhibit.
Who narrates Flowers for Algernon?
Dr. Strauss in Flowers for Algernon. Since Flowers for Algernon is narrated in the first person by Charlie Gordon, we only learn about Dr. Strauss through Charlie. The opening lines of Flowers for Algernon are: 'Dr Strauss says I shoud rite down what I think and remembir and evrey thing that happins to me from now on.
Who facilitates Charlie's work on the project?
After the disastrous conference, Dr. Strauss facilitates Charlie's work on the project, giving him his own notes. Always more able than Nemur to recognize the limitations of science, he still believes that it's important to undertake research, although the results can never be known in advance.
Who mediates between Charlie and Nemur?
At the scientific conference in Chicago, Dr. Strauss mediates between Charlie and Nemur. However, it is Dr. Strauss that Charlie despises because he only knows seven languages. Despite this, Dr. Strauss lets Charlie probe his fields of expertise, to find out 'just how much he knew.'.
Who is worried about Charlie's progress?
Significantly, even as he monitors Charlie's progress and talks to him in therapy, Dr. Strauss is worried about trying to claim success prematurely. Dr. Nemur, on the other hand, is eager to publish the results of their work.
What is the juxtaposed discussion of scientific risks?
The scientists' discussion of scientific risks is juxtaposed to Charlie's listing of superstitious totems and events. Dr. Strauss scolds Charlie for his superstition, but the narrative implicitly asks: how different are these systems of calculating risks? Dr. Strauss himself can offer no certainties... and to his credit, he doesn't try. We learn that he goes out of his way to reassure Charlie before performing his experimental operation.
What does Charlie want to do after the surgery?
Following the surgery, Charlie wants to use his newfound intelligence to help others in his situation, always recognizing that he was a "human being before the surgery. ". The surgery does not make Charlie any more human than he was before the operation; it just makes him smarter.
Why do doctors do frontal lobotomies?
In addition, crude surgical techniques called frontal lobotomies were performed by doctors who believed that removing the part of the brain thought to be associated with various types of mental illness would cure the problem . Tragically, these early techniques were crude and removed too much brain tissue, leaving many patients in a worse state than they were before the surgery. These early surgeries called into ethical question whether any brain surgery should be done for the purpose of improving mental performance. For example, Ken Kesey's 1962 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, made into a movie in 1975, explores the treatment of the mentally ill during the decades following World War II.
What is Charlie's disability?
Charlie's disability is the result of an untreated physical disorder called phenylketonuria; most babies born with this condition today would be treated early enough to prevent the type of learning disability that Charlie experiences.
Is Charlie's surgery a fictional event?
The surgery that Charlie undergoes in Flowers for Alger non is purely fictional, although surgical techniques in the treatment of the mentally ill were being used at the time that the novel's action takes place. Presumably, Charlie had one of the procedures common at the time when he was treated with electroshock by Dr. Guarino, although it is not clear from the context of the novel precisely what that procedure is.