Algernon is a
laboratory mouse who has undergone surgery to increase his intelligence
. The story is told by a series of progress reports written by Charlie Gordon, the first human subject for the surgery, and it touches on ethical and moral themes such as the treatment of the mentally disabled.
What is the main theme of Flowers for Algernon?
The central theme in Flowers for Algernon is
Man Playing God
. The basic structural layout of the novel supports this theme.
What can you learn from Flowers for Algernon?
Friends will never be forgotten
is a lesson that is taught in the story, “Flowers for Algernon”. The meaning of this lesson is no matter what happens in life, good, bad, happy, or sad friends will always be in the mind. No matter how many years pass friends are always remembered.
Why is Flowers for Algernon a banned book?
— The novel ‘Flowers for Algernon’ has been banned by school officials who say
the book contains explicit sex scenes and offensive words
. ‘The book described the sex act in explicit four-letter terms. … The book was made into the movie ‘Charly,’ and Cliff Robertson won an Academy Award for the role in 1968.
Flowers for Algernon is a book that says to you: ‘
I want you to question everything you know
‘. More importantly, it seeks out the unflinchingly honest message that our humanity is not measured by how smart we are, but rather by our kindness, love and interaction with others.
Why is Flowers for Algernon important?
In “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes, Algernon is very important
because Charlie follows in his footsteps
. The intelligence experiments Dr. … Algernon had the same operation that Charlie had. The scientists have observed Algernon becoming more and more intelligent over time.
What is the irony in Flowers for Algernon?
An example of dramatic irony from the story occurs
during a conversation between Charlie and Miss Kinnian
. She recently read some of his progress notes and realizes how Charlie’s coworkers have been treating him. This upset her and she tells Charlie she has something in her eye and runs to the bathroom.
What does Algernon symbolize?
Algernon, the lab mouse, is symbolic of the part of Charlie that is viewed as a science experiment, the piece of Charlie that resents the professor for not treating him like a human being. … For Charlie, Algernon symbolizes his own identity and struggles. For the reader, Algernon symbolizes
fate, reality, and death
.
What is a theme of the story?
The term theme can be defined as the underlying meaning of a story. It is
the message the writer is trying to convey through the story
. Often the theme of a story is a broad message about life. The theme of a story is important because a story’s theme is part of the reason why the author wrote the story.
What age is appropriate to read Flowers for Algernon?
| Interest Level Reading Level Reading A-Z | Grades 9 – 12 Grades 4 – 12 Z |
|---|
What mental illness does Charlie Gordon have?
Charlie Gordon, 32 years old, demonstrates an IQ of 68 due to
untreated phenylketonuria
. His uncle has arranged for him to hold a menial job at a bakery so that he will not have to live at the Warren State Home and Training School, a state institution.
Why is Captain Underpants banned?
The books were found to contain
racist and insensitive imagery
. With Pilkey’s “full support,” Scholastic said it halted publication on March 22, removed the book from its websites, stopped fulfillment of any outstanding orders and sought a return of all inventory, including from schools and libraries.
What are three themes in Flowers for Algernon?
- Ignorance, Intelligence, and Happiness. After Charlie Gordon has his surgery and begins to progress from mental disability to brilliance, he has an argument with one of his coworkers, Fanny Birden. …
- Intelligence vs. …
- Pride, Hubris, and the Tragic Hero. …
- Cruelty and Bullying. …
- Love and Sexuality.
What is Charlie’s job in Flowers for Algernon?
Charlie Gordon
The protagonist and author of the progress reports that form the text of Flowers for Algernon. Charlie is a thirty-two-year-old intellectually disabled man who lives in New York City. At the start of the novel, he works at
Donner’s Bakery as a janitor and delivery boy
.
What is the climax of Flowers for Algernon?
Climax
Charlie asserts his independence by running away from the scientists who are observing him; Alice tells Charlie that his work at the laboratory is more important than his relationship with Fay; Charlie realizes in this moment that he can no longer run from his fate or the seriousness of his emotional journey
.
How is Algernon special?
Algernon is a white lab mouse in the lab run by Professor Nemur and Dr. Strauss. Algernon is initially just an average mouse, but he
undergoes an experimental operation that makes him three times as intelligent as a regular mouse
. The scientists at the lab continually monitor Algernon’s progress.
