grade 8 flowers for algernon essay

Flowers for Algernon

Daniel keyes, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

The novel is made up of a series of progress reports written by a man named Charlie Gordon . As the novel begins, Charlie Gordon is mentally disabled, with an IQ of 68. He works at a bakery and attends classes at night to learn how to read and write. Because of Charlie’s motivation, his teacher, Alice Kinnian , recommends him for a cutting-edge experimental surgery designed by Professor Harold Nemur and Doctor Strauss . Strauss and Nemur believe that they can greatly increase intelligence through this operation. They’ve already performed their surgery on a mouse named Algernon , who has become super-intelligent. Charlie competes with Algernon in mazes and other intelligence tests, and loses every time.

Charlie undergoes the surgery, and is told that soon he’ll have an IQ of 185. At first, Charlie doesn’t feel intelligent at all. He continues working at the bakery, where his coworkers tease him and bully him for his clumsiness. In the evenings, Charlie continues meeting with Alice, who tells him to remain patient. Charlie begins to have vague flashbacks to his childhood—a period of time that he barely remembers.

At work, Charlie slowly shows signs of increased intelligence. He becomes adept at mixing dough, and gets a raise for his efforts. He has wet dreams, which Dr. Strauss—who acts as his therapist—explains to him. Charlie also beats Algernon in intelligence tests. At the same time, he begins to have more frequent flashbacks: he remembers that his mother, Rose Gordon , would spank him for being bad, and that she vehemently denied that he was mentally challenged. He also had a sister named Norma Gordon , who hated Charlie for getting too much attention from their parents.

Alice teaches Charlie grammar and encourages him to read, and Charlie quickly becomes more and more intelligent. He begins to alienate his coworkers, who resent him for being smarter than they are. Charlie also notices that Alice is very pretty, and he tries to pluck up the courage to ask her out.

Charlie confronts an ethical dilemma when he discovers that his coworker Gimpy , who’s always been gruff but kind to him, is stealing from the bakery. Charlie asks Professor Nemur for advice, but Nemur says that it’s an unimportant issue. Alice urges Charlie to resolve the dilemma by exploring his own values and beliefs, and Charlie is able to convince Gimpy to stop stealing anymore.

Encouraged by his discussions with Alice, Charlie asks Alice on a date. The date goes well, and Charlie decides that he’s in love. Alice tells Charlie that he’s being too hasty, however: although he’s very intelligent now, he still has the emotional intelligence of a child. Alice and Charlie go on other dates, and Charlie slowly realizes that he’s vastly more intelligent than Alice.

Charlie is fired from his job at the bakery—his coworkers, furious with his new intelligence, sign a petition asking for his immediate dismissal. Charlie is hurt. The only coworker who doesn’t sign the petition, Fanny Birden , says goodbye to Charlie, and warns him that it was a sin for Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. Angry and upset, Charlie goes to Alice’s apartment, where he tries and fails to be physically intimate with her.

Charlie continues to work closely with Professor Nemur. He flies out to Chicago for a medical conference, where Nemur’s discovery is supposed to be one of the highlights. At the conference, Charlie begins to resent Nemur’s condescending attitude—although Charlie is now far more intelligent than Nemur, Nemur continues to regard him as a “guinea pig.” Charlie embarrasses Nemur in front of his colleagues, and frees Algernon from his cage. Together, Charlie and Algernon leave Chicago, with Charlie resolving to live life on his own terms from now on.

Back in New York, Charlie finds an apartment for himself. He meets women late at night and attempts to have sex with them, but he frightens them away. His fortunes improve after he meets his apartment neighbor, a strong, energetic woman named Fay Lillman . Fay is uninhibited, and tells Charlie that she’d like to have sex with him. Meanwhile, Charlie remembers an episode from his childhood in which his sister Norma became furious with him. Norma wanted to have a dog, but their father, Matt Gordon , refused to give her one unless she let Charlie play with it. Charlie has another vivid flashback of his mother spanking him after he accidentally embarrassed a girl at his school. Charlie visits his father, who now works in a barbershop in the Bronx. Matt doesn’t recognize Charlie, and Charlie is unable to force himself to reveal his identity.

Charlie decides to devote himself to studying neuroscience—in this way, he believes, he can help other mentally disabled people. At the same time, he launches a turbulent relationship with Fay. At first, Charlie can’t have sex with Fay without experiencing traumatizing hallucinations in which he sees a younger version of himself—the “ old Charlie .” Over time, however, Charlie learns to be confortable around Fay.

Charlie is then horrified to discover that Algernon’s intelligence is vanishing—suggesting that the same might happen to him soon. Charlie reunites with Professor Nemur and begs for funding to research the issue. Nemur arranges for Charlie to pursue this research. In the meantime, Charlie visits the Warren State Home for the mentally ill—the home where Charlie might have to live if his hypothesis is proven correct and he loses his intelligence. Warren State is surprisingly pleasant, although Charlie is still terrified at returning to a state of mental disability.

Charlie gets drunk and confronts Nemur and Strauss. Charlie tells them they’re condescending and conceited, but comes to realize that he’s become just as bad. Shortly after this confrontation, Charlie makes a breakthrough in his research: he concludes that Nemur’s brain surgery will always be impermanent. In the long run, Charlie’s own intelligence will disappear, and he’ll become mentally disabled again. Algernon dies and Charlie buries his body and decorates the grave with flowers.

Charlie tries to tie up loose ends before he loses his intelligence. He goes to visit his sister Norma, who still cares for their mother. Charlie’s mother now suffers from dementia—while she recognizes Charlie, she seems to forget who he is from time to time. Norma, on the other hand, is a kind, bright woman, who’s happy to reunite with Charlie. She tells Charlie that she’s hated herself for years because of the way she treated him. Charlie is so moved by his conversation with Norma that he has to leave. He decides to forgive his mother for her cruelty—there’s simply no point in hating her.

Charlie’s intelligence fades quickly. He becomes irritable, and Fay breaks off all ties with him. Alice continues to visit Charlie, although she’s upset by his moodiness. One night, Charlie and Alice have sex, and Charlie feels that he’s experiencing “something different”—a love few people find in a whole lifetime.

Charlie loses all his intelligence and enters a state of mental disability once again. He returns to the bakery, and succeeds in getting his old job back. His coworkers, who formerly bullied him, now treat him with more respect. Nevertheless, Charlie decides that he can no longer be around his coworkers or Alice—he can’t stand to talk to people who remember a time when he was a genius. He decides to go to the Warren State Home. In his final progress report, Charlie says goodbye to Alice, Professor Nemur, Doctor Strauss, and everyone else he’s met since the experiment. In a postscript, he asks “someone” to put more flowers on Algernon’s grave.

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Flowers for Algernon Essays

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grade 8 flowers for algernon essay

Flowers for Algernon

By daniel keyes, flowers for algernon summary and analysis of progress report 8.

Charlie thinks that the tests and mazes that the lab makes him do are stupid. Alice Kinnian tells him to be patient but some of Charlie’s mild, good nature has gone away and he views these activities as pointless and insufferable. Charlie then eats lunch with Burt in the college cafeteria and longs to participate in conversations with the students about “art and politics and religion.” Charlie reveals that his mother was a religious woman, and that she would have him pray to “get better” from his mental disability. When Burt introduces Charlie to some of the college students, he says that Charlie is working in the lab, cleaning, instead of revealing the true and private nature of the experiment. Charlie keeps waking up hoping that this will be the day he becomes smart, but this is not the case. However, he actually becomes more aware (without his own awareness), and he continues to criticize the tests, upset that Algernon beats him in races. He learns that Algernon is also enhanced, like him, and has more hope that he will become smart soon. Charlie goes back to work in the bakery. Donner has hired a boy to replace him, and does not definitively kick Charlie out (since he promised Herman he would take care of Charlie). Charlie asks if he can be promoted, but Donner lightly turns him down.

Charlie does not want to race with Algernon anymore. Nemur and Strauss bring him a “present”: a TV-like machine which he is supposed to have turned on while he sleeps. Nemur and Strauss recognize that Charlie is beginning to challenge authority now. The machine will teach Charlie when in a drowsy state, and will also help him remember things from his childhood. Charlie keeps the TV machine on loud and so doesn’t get enough sleep, but he does actually begin to remember things. He remembers how he started going to the Beekman School at the recommendation of Fanny, his coworker. He begins therapy sessions with Dr. Strauss , where he lies down and tells the doctor anything that is on his mind.

Dr. Strauss shows Charlie how to turn the TV down so it no longer interrupts his sleep. However, on the night of March 27, his bakery coworkers invite him to a bar with them, where he drinks whiskey and becomes the butt of everyone’s jokes. The coworkers also pull a trick on him where they make him go outside to see if it is raining, and then leave him behind until a policeman picks him up and takes him home.

Charlie finally beats Algernon in a race. He remembers more things about his family and how he once wanted to be a painter. He is even able to read whole books now, and finishes Robinson Crusoe , which is the hardest book he has ever read to date. Miss Kinnian comes in and helps him with his writing, reading, and spelling.

This entry takes place from March 15-31. Charlie’s awareness increases. He begins to challenge authority after he becomes irritated with people telling him what to do. The question of authority is strongly tied into the issue concerning God and religion — this subject comes up when Charlie and Burt observe students in the college cafeteria. This same question of authority is also present when Burt tells Charlie that Nemur is afraid of people laughing at him, and so hopes the experiment will go well. Charlie, who has always only thought that people laughing must be positive affirmation, is struck by why Nemur would be against people laughing at him. After the conversation with Burt he reemphasizes how much he would like to get smart, and soon.

On returning to the bakery, coworkers like Joe Carp and Frank Reilly still laugh at Charlie, but readers realize that Donner is someone who genuinely cares about Charlie’s well-being, as Donner was Herman’s best friend.

The machine that Nemur and Strauss give to Charlie carries vague allusions to Aldous Huxley’s hypnopedia techniques in his dystopian novel Brave New World (1932). It pries into Charlie’s subconscious, feeding it new information while also retrieving old memories he is not conscious of. As a matter of fact, during therapy sessions, Strauss even explicitly tells Charlie about the conscious versus the subconscious, explaining their relationship simply as two minds that do not talk to each other yet allow people to dream. Charlie does not yet understand these concepts. He also does not fully understand the trick his coworkers played on him by leaving him outside the bar.

Charlie, after he beats Algernon in the races, expresses that he would like to be friends with Algernon (25), which foreshadows the loneliness that he is still to experience. He continues to learn from Miss Kinnian, who tells him that “spelling is not supposed to make sense” (26), which does the funny thing of qualifying much of the reports Charlie has written up until now (where there are slightly less typos, and more sustained thoughts).

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Flowers for Algernon Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Flowers for Algernon is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

after hearing the story of charlie's last night at home, what is ironic about the shave he receives at the barbers shop?

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A movie theater is offering a special summer pass. Passholders pay $8 per movie for the first 5 movies and watch additional movies for free, up to a maximum of 15 movies. The function C gives the total cost, in dollars, for a passholder to watch N movies

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Flowers for algernon

Charlie dislikes being pitied. He was once "smart" and now he is no longer. He does not want to be around people's condescending judgments of him any longer. Sad and disillusioned, Charlie feels that he needs normal, familiar surroundings, so he...

Study Guide for Flowers for Algernon

Flowers for Algernon study guide contains a biography of Daniel Keyes, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About Flowers for Algernon
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Essays for Flowers for Algernon

Flowers for Algernon essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.

  • Language, Shame, and Charlie Gordon
  • Freedom of Choice in Human Engineering: Charlie's Lack of Autonomy in 'Flowers for Algernon'
  • The Use of Point of View to Promote Estrangement in “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang and “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes

Lesson Plan for Flowers for Algernon

  • About the Author
  • Study Objectives
  • Common Core Standards
  • Introduction to Flowers for Algernon
  • Relationship to Other Books
  • Bringing in Technology
  • Notes to the Teacher
  • Related Links
  • Flowers for Algernon Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Flowers for Algernon

  • Introduction

grade 8 flowers for algernon essay

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Essays on Flowers for Algernon

Hook examples for "flowers for algernon" essays, "the quest for intelligence" hook.

"In 'Flowers for Algernon,' we follow the journey of a man striving for intelligence. Explore the universal human desire for knowledge and its consequences."

"The Power of Perspective: Before and After" Hook

"The novel presents a unique narrative structure, showcasing the protagonist's changing intelligence. Delve into the power of perspective and how it shapes our understanding of the world."

"The Ethical Dilemma: Enhancing Intelligence" Hook

"Charlie's transformation raises ethical questions about human enhancement. Analyze the moral implications of enhancing human intelligence and the blurred line between science and ethics."

"Intelligence vs. Emotional Intelligence" Hook

"Charlie's journey explores the difference between cognitive intelligence and emotional intelligence. Discuss the importance of both aspects in human growth and relationships."

"The Isolation of Genius" Hook

"As Charlie's intelligence grows, he becomes increasingly isolated from others. Examine the loneliness that often accompanies exceptional abilities and the human need for connection."

"Lessons from 'Algernon'" Hook

"Algernon, the laboratory mouse, plays a crucial role in the story. Explore the symbolism of Algernon and the lessons we can learn from this character about life, intelligence, and empathy."

"The Tragic Arc of Charlie Gordon" Hook

"Charlie's story is one of tragedy and self-discovery. Analyze his character arc, the impact of his intelligence regression, and the themes of acceptance and self-worth."

Popular Flowers for Algernon Essay Topics

  • The Ethical Implications of Intelligence Enhancement in "Flowers for Algernon"
  • Exploring the Human Condition Through Charlie Gordon's Transformation
  • The Role of Memory and Past Experiences in Shaping Identity in "Flowers for Algernon"
  • Charlie Gordon's Transformation: Intelligence, Emotion, & Human Connection
  • The Impact of Social Perception on Self-Worth as Depicted in "Flowers for Algernon"
  • Isolation and Loneliness: Analyzing Charlie Gordon's Relationships Before and After the Experiment
  • The Consequences of Scientific Experimentation on Human Subjects in "Flowers for Algernon"
  • The Transformation of Charlie Gordon in "Flowers for Algernon"
  • The Perception of Intelligence and Happiness in "Flowers for Algernon": A Critical Analysis
  • The Use of First-Person Narrative to Engage Readers in Charlie Gordon's Emotional Journey

Flowers for Algernon Character Analysis

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A Theme of Motivation in Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

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The Impact of Intelligence Quotation Surgery on Charlie in Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

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Challenges of Being Intelligent in Daniel Keyes’ Novel Flowers for Algernon

Analysis of charlie's dreams in flowers for algernon, flowers for algernon: an analysis.

April 1959, Daniel Keyes

Short story, Novel, Science Fiction, Epistolary Novel, Psychological Fiction

Charlie Gordon, Alice Kinnian, Professor Harold Nemur, Burt Selden, Burt Selden, Algernon, Fay Lillman, Rose Gordon, Matt Gordon, Norma Gordon, Uncle Herman, Mr. Donner, Frank Reilly and Joe Carp, Gimpy, Fanny Birden, Dr. Guarino, Hilda, Minnie, Meyer Klaus

The inspiration for "Flowers for Algernon" can be traced to the author's observations and experiences working with intellectually disabled individuals. Keyes delves into the complexities of human intelligence and the impact of artificially enhancing or altering it. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of intelligence, the ethics of scientific experimentation, and the societal treatment of individuals with disabilities. Through the character of Charlie Gordon, a mentally disabled man who undergoes an experimental procedure to increase his intelligence, the story explores the themes of self-awareness, identity, and the consequences of knowledge. It delves into the emotional journey of Charlie as he grapples with newfound intelligence and the subsequent isolation and alienation he experiences.

"Flowers for Algernon" follows the life of Charlie Gordon, a mentally disabled man who works as a janitor and longs for intelligence. He becomes the subject of a groundbreaking experiment conducted by scientists Dr. Nemur and Dr. Strauss. The experiment involves a surgical procedure to enhance Charlie's intelligence. As Charlie's intelligence begins to rapidly increase, he undergoes a profound transformation. He surpasses the intellectual abilities of those around him, becomes highly intelligent, and starts to uncover the complexities of the world. He forms deep connections with his teacher, Miss Kinnian, and Algernon, a laboratory mouse who had previously undergone the same experimental procedure. However, Charlie's newfound intelligence comes with a price. He becomes aware of the mistreatment he faced in the past, the shallow nature of some relationships, and the loneliness that accompanies his superior intellect. As Algernon's intelligence begins to decline, Charlie realizes that the same fate awaits him. Eventually, Charlie's intelligence regresses, and he returns to his previous state of mental disability. He reflects on his experiences, the lessons he has learned, and the fleeting nature of his intelligence. The story ends with Charlie understanding the importance of love, compassion, and the acceptance of one's own limitations.

"Flowers for Algernon" is set in New York City during the mid-20th century. The story primarily takes place in a scientific research facility where the experiment to increase human intelligence is conducted. The laboratory becomes a central setting, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and the boundaries of human potential. Beyond the laboratory, the story explores different facets of the city. Charlie's workplace, a bakery, represents his initial world of simplicity and routine. As his intelligence expands, Charlie navigates through various environments, including the university where he attends classes and interacts with other intellectuals. The urban setting of New York City reflects the fast-paced nature of Charlie's transformation and the bustling backdrop against which his personal journey unfolds. The contrasting landscapes of the city, from the bustling streets to the sterile laboratory, serve as a backdrop for Charlie's emotional and intellectual growth.

One central theme is the power and limitations of intelligence. The story delves into the ethical implications of artificially enhancing intelligence and raises questions about the impact of knowledge on personal identity and relationships. It examines the inherent human desire for intellectual growth and the consequences of realizing that desire. Another theme is the quest for acceptance and belonging. The protagonist, Charlie, experiences rejection and isolation due to his intellectual disability. As his intelligence increases, he faces new challenges in fitting into society and forming meaningful connections. The story highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and embracing diversity. Additionally, "Flowers for Algernon" explores the fragility of human life and the inevitability of change. Charlie's journey from innocence to knowledge, and ultimately his regression, raises existential questions about the nature of existence and the fleeting nature of human experiences.

One prominent device is the use of first-person narrative. The story is presented through Charlie's perspective, allowing readers to intimately experience his journey and empathize with his emotions. This narrative choice immerses readers in Charlie's thoughts, capturing the essence of his transformation and the challenges he faces. Another literary device employed is symbolism. Algernon, the lab mouse, serves as a powerful symbol of intelligence and progress. Algernon's experiences mirror Charlie's own trajectory, symbolizing the potential and risks associated with artificial intelligence and human enhancement. Algernon's fate also foreshadows Charlie's eventual regression, emphasizing the fleeting nature of knowledge and the transience of human achievements. Additionally, the author employs foreshadowing to create anticipation and tension in the story. The early hints and glimpses of Charlie's future progression and eventual decline build suspense and engage readers emotionally. This technique deepens the impact of the narrative and underscores the story's themes of human limitation and the consequences of seeking knowledge.

"Flowers for Algernon" has been represented in various forms of media, including stage adaptations, film, and television. One notable adaptation is the 1968 film titled "Charly," directed by Ralph Nelson and starring Cliff Robertson in the lead role. The film received critical acclaim and earned Robertson an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Charlie Gordon. It successfully captured the emotional journey of the protagonist and the ethical dilemmas surrounding intelligence enhancement. In addition, the story has been adapted for the stage, with productions that have brought the thought-provoking narrative to live audiences. These adaptations often employ visual and auditory techniques to depict Charlie's transformation and the subsequent challenges he faces, highlighting the impact of his changing intelligence on his relationships and personal growth. Furthermore, "Flowers for Algernon" has been referenced and alluded to in various literary works, films, and television shows as a representation of the ethical and moral implications of scientific advancements and the nature of human intelligence. Its themes of empathy, identity, and the pursuit of knowledge continue to resonate with audiences, making it a source of inspiration and discussion in contemporary media.

The impact of "Flowers for Algernon" can be seen in the way it has inspired other authors and artists to explore similar themes in their own works. The narrative's exploration of the human mind and its fragility has influenced writers in the science fiction genre, as well as those interested in psychology and the nature of intelligence. Additionally, the novel has had a lasting influence on ethical debates surrounding scientific advancements, particularly in the field of cognitive enhancement and the treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities. It prompts discussions on the ethics of manipulating intelligence and the importance of empathy and understanding in society. Furthermore, the character of Charlie Gordon and his journey from innocence to enlightenment has become an iconic figure, representing the quest for knowledge and personal growth. The novel's exploration of the human experience and the universal longing for acceptance and understanding has touched readers and contributed to its enduring influence.

1. "Flowers for Algernon" received widespread acclaim and recognition, winning the prestigious Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1966 and later the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1960. 2. "Flowers for Algernon" has been adapted into various forms of media, further solidifying its impact. In 1968, it was adapted into a stage play, and in 2000, it was made into a film titled "Charlie." These adaptations bring the story to new audiences and provide alternative interpretations of the narrative.

Flowers for Algernon, written by Daniel Keyes, is a profoundly impactful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of human intelligence, identity, and the moral implications of scientific advancement. Exploring themes of empathy, ethics, and the meaning of intelligence, this novel offers rich material for insightful essays. One reason why Flowers for Algernon is important to write an essay about is its exploration of the human condition. The transformation of the main character, Charlie Gordon, from a mentally disabled individual to a highly intelligent being raises questions about the nature of intelligence and its effects on personal relationships and societal dynamics. Furthermore, the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of Charlie and the experiment conducted on him provide fertile ground for ethical analysis. The novel prompts discussions about the limits of scientific progress and the responsibility of society towards individuals who may be considered different or disadvantaged. Moreover, Flowers for Algernon prompts readers to reflect on the themes of empathy and understanding. It challenges the reader to examine their own attitudes towards intelligence, disability, and the value we place on different forms of human experience.

"I don’t know what’s worse: to not know what you are and be happy, or to become what you’ve always wanted to be, and feel alone." "I'm afraid. Not of life, or death, or nothingness, but of wasting it as if I had never been." "I don’t think it’s right to experiment on animals, and I don’t think it’s right to experiment on people unless they want to be a part of it." "Please, Miss Kinnian, if you don't want me to talk no more in your class, I won't." "I want to be smart. I want to be like other people. I want to read and understand important books. I want to be able to write them myself. I want to be able to talk to people and have them understand me, really understand what I mean."

1. Keyes, D. (1966). Flowers for Algernon. Harcourt, Brace & World. 2. Kurdi, V. (2017). Intelligence and disability in "Flowers for Algernon." Journal of Literary Studies, 33(3), 81-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/02564718.2017.1342767 3. Lachmann, R. (2014). Reading "Flowers for Algernon" through Deleuze and Guattari: The becoming-intense of the disabled subject. Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies, 8(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3828/jlcds.2014.1 4. LeClair, T. (1990). Irony and "aesthetic distance" in Flowers for Algernon. Journal of Modern Literature, 17(2), 161-170. https://doi.org/10.1353/jml.1990.0009 5. Lutz, D. (2000). "And Charly discovered a lot of people had hearts like flowers for Algernon.": Mental disability and human identity in Daniel Keyes' novel and film adaptation. Journal of Literary Studies, 16(3-4), 346-363. https://doi.org/10.1080/02564710008530370 6. Manju, A. (2014). Psychological analysis of Charlie Gordon's character development in Flowers for Algernon. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 4(7), 266-270. 7. Pollack, C. M. (1999). Analyzing irony in "Flowers for Algernon". The English Journal, 88(6), 70-74. https://doi.org/10.2307/822141 8. Ransdell, J. (2012). Ethics and Eugenics in "Flowers for Algernon". In B. Huss (Ed.), Ethics and Neurodiversity (pp. 125-136). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230302254_9 9. Rummel, K. (2013). Charlie's brain: Ethics and identity in Flowers for Algernon. Journal of Narrative Theory, 43(1), 30-50. https://doi.org/10.1353/jnt.2013.0020 10. Seiler, S. J. (2000). The dark side of the good: The betrayal of Charlie Gordon in Daniel Keyes' "Flowers for Algernon". Papers on Language & Literature, 36(4), 385-403. https://doi.org/10.1353/pll.2001.0019

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grade 8 flowers for algernon essay

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COMMENTS

  1. Flowers for Algernon: An Analysis: [Essay Example], 752 words

    The novel "Flowers for Algernon" has poignant themes of identity, empathy, and intelligence. It presents essential ethical and moral considerations made throughout the narrative. By analyzing Keyes' work, society can better understand the challenges that the developmentally disabled population faces today. Keyes' novel has helped to shed light ...

  2. Flowers For Algernon Theme Analysis: [Essay Example], 641 words

    Intelligence as a Double-Edged Sword: One of the central themes of "Flowers For Algernon" is the idea that intelligence can be both a gift and a curse. At the beginning of the story, Charlie Gordon is a mentally disabled adult with an IQ of 68. He yearns to be smarter and longs for acceptance in a world that often treats him as an outcast.

  3. PDF UNIT: "FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON"

    Write an argumentative essay in which you state a claim about Charlie's improvement. Support your claims with reasons and evidence from the text that show ... Grade 8: "Flowers for Algernon" 244 EXTENSION TASK; 6. According to William Safire, "Neuroethics is the examination of what is right and wrong, good and bad about the treatment of ...

  4. The Power of Intelligence in "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes

    Daniel Keyes' novel "Flowers for Algernon" delves into this complex issue, showcasing the transformative effects of intelligence on the protagonist, Charlie Gordon, and raising important questions about the nature of intelligence and its role in society. ... A Theme Of Motivation In Flowers For Algernon By Daniel Keyes Essay. Flowers for ...

  5. Flowers for Algernon Study Guide

    Flowers for Algernon doesn't allude to many specific historical events, but its portrayal of sex and love is unmistakably a product of the 1960s. At this time, American culture was becoming more open to sexuality and frank discussions of sex. The so-called "Sexual Revolution" saw increased sexual education in school, further research into human sexuality (pioneered by Dr. Alfred Kinsey ...

  6. Flowers for Algernon Essay Questions

    Essays for Flowers for Algernon. Flowers for Algernon essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. Language, Shame, and Charlie Gordon; Freedom of Choice in Human Engineering: Charlie's Lack of Autonomy in 'Flowers for Algernon'

  7. Flowers for Algernon Summary

    Flowers for Algernon Summary. Starting on March 3, a mentally disabled man named Charlie Gordon starts coming into a lab as a test subject for a possible experiment. He is 32 years old, and works as a floor sweeper and performs other lowly tasks at a bakery.

  8. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes Plot Summary

    Flowers for Algernon Summary. The novel is made up of a series of progress reports written by a man named Charlie Gordon. As the novel begins, Charlie Gordon is mentally disabled, with an IQ of 68. He works at a bakery and attends classes at night to learn how to read and write. Because of Charlie's motivation, his teacher, Alice Kinnian ...

  9. PDF Flowers for Algernon Text

    Flowers For Algernon (short story) About the Author Raised in Brooklyn, New York, writer and teacher Daniel Keyes (1927-2014) was also a photographer, a merchant seaman, and an editor. Keyes was fascinated by unusual psychological conditions. A meeting with a man with a mental disability gave Keyes the idea for "Flowers for Algernon."

  10. PDF Algernon Revelations: Flowers for Text Analysis and Character

    In this module middle school students analyze Daniel Keyes' short story, "Flowers for Algernon", focusing on RL.8.3 and W.8.2. This module acts as a springboard into literary analysis by having students study how an author reveals a character's persona over the course of the text. Further, it provides an opportunity for

  11. The 'Flowers for Algernon' Theme: Intelligence and Emotion: [Essay

    Daniel Keyes' seminal work, "Flowers for Algernon," embarks on an intricate exploration of the relationship between intelligence, happiness, and human connectivity, delving deep into the theme. Through the eyes of Charlie Gordon, a man who undergoes experimental surgery to increase his intelligence, Keyes questions the true value of intellect ...

  12. "Flowers for Algernon" Essay

    Students will read the short story version of "Flowers for Algernon," taking notes on the positive and negative aspects Charlie's life before and after the operation to increase his intelligence. ... "Flowers for Algernon" Essay. 0.0 stars. View Resource Version History ... Grade 8 Material Type: Lesson Plan Author: Brenda Sporkman Date Added ...

  13. Flowers for Algernon Study Guide

    Flowers for Algernon was originally published as a short story in the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction.It won the Hugo Award for Best Short Fiction, the highest prize for a short story in the science fiction field. Keyes says that the story was inspired by the experiences he had teaching English to special needs students, with a particular incident taking place in 1957.

  14. Argumentative Essay On Flowers For Algernon By Daniel Keyes

    Argumentative Essay: Daniel Keyes Flowers For Algernon. 894 Words | 4 Pages. Charlie Gordon starts to catch on to the symptoms of his operation and knowing that included on the list is death. He begins to catch on after Algernon dies, stating "I have become absent minded. Algernon died two days ago." (Keyes) Charlie now understands that ...

  15. Grade 8: Text Analysis and Character Revelations

    This Grade 8 unit titled "Text Analysis and Character Revelations - Flowers for Algernon" by Anita Hatch, Jennifer Carr, Joseph M. Bushong, Rithy Som, and Ryan J. Coe cited on the Literacy Design Collaborative website is intended to be completed in approximately 3-4 weeks of ELA/Literacy instruction.

  16. Flowers for Algernon Essay Examples

    Looking for free Flowers for Algernon essay examples? ️ Find high-quality samples in our database. 📚 More than 3 essays on Flowers for Algernon. Essay Samples. American History; Art; Business; ... Flowers for Algernon, a short story and later a novel by Daniel Keyes, tells the story of a laboratory mouse named Algernon who undergoes ...

  17. Flowers for Algernon Progress Report 8 Summary and Analysis

    Essays for Flowers for Algernon. Flowers for Algernon essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. Language, Shame, and Charlie Gordon; Freedom of Choice in Human Engineering: Charlie's Lack of Autonomy in 'Flowers for Algernon'

  18. Free Flowers For Algernon Essays and Research Papers on

    1 page / 596 words. Daniel Keyes' seminal work, "Flowers for Algernon," embarks on an intricate exploration of the relationship between intelligence, happiness, and human connectivity, delving deep into the theme. Through the eyes of Charlie Gordon, a man who undergoes experimental surgery to increase his intelligence, Keyes questions the...

  19. Flowers for Algernon

    Lesson 25: Compare "Flowers for Algernon" and Frankenstein. Students read an excerpt from Chapter 13 of Frankenstein and then work in pairs to select a quotation that reveals aspects of both the monster and Charlie, and then compare a theme of both texts. LDOE.

  20. Lesson 8: Apply knowledge to "Flowers for Algernon"

    Suggested Pacing: ~ 10 minutes. Directions: Instruct students to write their claim in response to the question on the top of the evidence chart. Prompt students to review "What's in an Inkblot? Some Say, Not Much" and "Flowers for Algernon" to locate evidence which supports and conflicts with their claim. Allow students to use their ...