Flowers for Algernon: Intelligence and Humanity
By Daniel Keyes Exploring themes of intelligence, friendship, and what makes us human Grade 8 English Literature
Meet Daniel Keyes
Born in 1927 in Brooklyn, New York Worked as a teacher and editor before becoming a writer Won Hugo Award for 'Flowers for Algernon' in 1960 Story inspired by his experiences with special needs students
What Makes Us Human?
Is it our intelligence? Our emotions and relationships? Our ability to learn and grow? Something else entirely?
The Story Setup
Charlie Gordon: 32-year-old man with intellectual disability Works at Donner's Bakery doing simple tasks Attends night school to learn reading and writing Chosen for experimental surgery to increase intelligence
Meet Algernon
A white laboratory mouse First subject of the intelligence experiment Successfully completed maze tests after surgery Charlie's companion and mirror for his own journey
Before and After Surgery
{"left":"Charlie struggles with basic reading and writing\nHas difficulty with simple concepts\nTrusting and innocent\nEager to please others","right":"Becomes highly intelligent\nDevelops complex understanding\nGains awareness of how others treated him\nExperiences loneliness and isolation"}
Charlie's Progress Reports
Read Progress Report 1 together Notice the spelling and grammar What does this tell us about Charlie? How does his writing change over time?
The Rorschach Test
Psychological test using inkblot images Charlie sees simple shapes where others see complex images Represents his limited perspective before surgery Later, he understands the test's true purpose
Charlie's Realization
"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."
Charlie's Relationships Change
His coworkers at the bakery become uncomfortable He realizes they were making fun of him before Loses his innocent friendships Struggles to connect with intellectuals
Discussion: Friendship and Intelligence
Why do Charlie's relationships change? Is it fair for people to avoid him? Can you be friends with someone much smarter or less smart than you? What makes a good friend?
Alice Kinnian: Charlie's Teacher
Charlie's night school teacher Recommended him for the experiment Develops complex feelings as Charlie surpasses her intelligence Represents the complications of changing relationships
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