Flowers For Algernon
A Startling Human Experiment
Book Summary
Conflict/Resolution
Character Analysis
Charlie is extremely smart after the operation. Also, He’s oblivious to how he makes others feel. He’s cheating on Alice with Fay even though he really loves Alice and not Fay. His friends are Frank, Burt, Nemur, Alice, Fay, Strauss, Gimpy, Mr. Donner, Joe, and Fanny. His family is Rose, Norma, and Matt Gordon.
Theme
The theme is that being smart doesn’t get you everything. After becoming very smart, Charlie lacks social skills and is oblivious to how he makes others feel. The theme as Alice put it is "There's more to it than just having a high IQ."(pg 209.)
Textual Evidence
The most powerful part of the book was at the end when Charlie and Alice were arguing about him not picking up the trash. This is the most powerful part of the book because during this scene, Alice not only gives a beautiful and concise summary of how Charlie has changed, but also gave the biggest theme of the book. Alice says to Charlie, “Neither do I, but you lost something you had before. You had a smile.” Charlie interrupts her, “An empty, stupid smile.” “No, but a warm, real smile because you wanted people to like you.” “And they played tricks on me, and laughed at me.” Yes, but even though you didn’t understand why they were laughing, you sensed that if they could laugh at you they would like you. And you wanted them to like you. You acted like a child and you even laughed at yourself along with them."
Book Review
I would give this book five stars because Flowers For Algernon provides relatable characters who the antagonist can bounce off of and character development. It provides a perspective for the situation on autism. Flowers For Algernon features literary devices such as foreshadowing and symbolism. Not to mention that the story is very original.