Flowers for Algernon | Study Guide

Daniel Keyes

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Flowers for Algernon | Infographic

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Check out this Infographic to learn more about Daniel Keyes's Flowers for Algernon. Study visually with character maps, plot summaries, helpful context, and more.

flowers-for-algernon-daniel-keyesSources: Charlie, Algernon, and I: A Writer’s Journey by Daniel Keyes,DanielKeyesAuthor.com, Encyclopaedia Britannica, The GuardianCopyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc.n spite of the operation Charlie was still with me Charlie, Progress Report 14Light vs. DarknessRepresents knowledge and intelligence vs. blindnessand ignoranceTree of KnowledgeSymbolizes the moral ambiguity of the experiment on CharlieWindows & MirrorsRepresent Charlie’s separation from hisformer selfSymbolsCharlie’s abusive motherRose GordonNeurosurgeon and psychiatrist; operates on CharlieDr. StraussLaboratory mouse with altered intelligence; has fate that parallels Charlie’sAlgernonIntellectually disabled man; temporarily becomes a geniusCharlie GordonMain CharactersAs the well-educated son of parents with little education, Keyes knew firsthandthe barriers schooling and intelligence can create between people. Drawing on his pre-med classes and psychology degree, Keyes explored what might happen if scientists could upgrade intelligence in Flowers for Algernon.DANIEL KEYES1927–2014AuthorCharlie’s fears changewith increased intelligencebut still preoccupy him.FearCharlie questions whether intellect or the capacity to love defines personhood.PersonhoodBoth too little and toomuch intelligence leave Charlie isolated. IsolationWhat if scientists could increase intelligence, if only temporarily? Flowers for Algernon explores that possibility with the harrowing and heartbreaking story of Charlie Gordon, an intellectually disabled man who experiences what it’s like to be a genius for a few brief months.IsolatingIntelligenceTHEMESEnglishOriginal Language1966Year PublishedDaniel KeyesAuthorFlowersfor AlgernonScience FictionNovel
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