Flowers for Algernon
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Executive Summary
Science Fiction novel by Daniel Keys describing a primer experiment, involving an operation and therapy, aimed at propelling protagonist Charlie Gordon’s intellectual capacity from retarded to genius. Dr. Strauss and Professor Nemur oversee the study. They provide Charlie's psychological therapy and intellectual testing.
The beginning of the novel centers on Progress Reports (“progris riport[s]") which provide Charlie's insights on the progress of the experiment and enact his intellectual change through word use and (mis)spelling.
While Charlie is the first human subject of the experiment, the procedure has been conducted on mice. Algernon is the highest performing mouse subject. Charlie's progress mirrors Algernon's.
At first the program appears to be successful. Charlie's intellectual capacities quickly expand as he is compelled to "feed [an intellectual] hunger that can't be satisfied." Yet, as Charlie becomes increasingly aware of his position in the world, he gains an upsetting perspective on his former self, realizing that he was scorned and mocked by his mother and sister as well as classmates and co-workers. Additionally, while Charlie's intellect shoots up, his emotional growth is much slower. He is especially squeamish about romantic and sexual relationships with women.
Towards the middle of the novel, as Charlie’s intellect continues to climb, Algernon’s condition begins to deteriorate. Charlie hypothesizes, and later proves, that he too will lose his intellectual capacities. The novel ends much as it begins, with Charlie keeping Progress Reports / “progris riport[s],’ which detail his return to retardation.
Characters
- Charlie Gordon - Human protagonist of Flowers for Algernon. After becoming the first human subject of an experiment developed to increase intellectual capacity, Charlie's IQ rapidly expands from mentally retarded to genius levels. Later, as the effects of the experiment dissipate, this trajectory is reversed.
- Algernon
- Alice Kinnian
- Professor Nemur
- Dr. Strauss
- Fay
- Rose Gordon
- Matt Gordon
- Faye Gordon
- Mr. Donner
- Gimpy
- Joe Carp
- Frank Riley
- Fanny Birden
