"Flowers for Algernon" Rating: 4 Planets

by Daniel Keyes

  
The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, 1960  
Hugo for Best Short Story  
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Preview
A retarded man keeps a diary detailing what happens when he undergoes intelligence-enhancing surgery.

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Background Data
Atom Bullet Keyes expanded this story to novel length in 1966. This longer version tied with Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany for Nebula Award.
Atom BulletThe story was filmed as Charly in 1968. Star Cliff Robertson won an Oscar for his portrayal of the title character.

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Navigation Guide

Atom BulletFrom what point of view is the story told? How is this point of view effecive?
Atom BulletWhat is the scientific basis for this story? How realistic is it?

Atom Bullet Characterize Charlie Gordon at the beginning of the story. Is he happy? Describe the ways that the following people relate to him at first:

  • his coworkers
  • his teacher Miss Kinnian
  • the scientists Dr. Nemur and Dr. Straus
Atom BulletHow does Keyes demonstrate to the reader Charlie's increasing intelligence?

Atom BulletDescribe the way that Charlie's perception of the following people changes:

  • his coworkers
  • Miss Kinnian
  • the scientists Dr. Nemur and Dr. Straus
Atom BulletAfter the surgery, is Charlie now happy? What does the retarded boy in the restaurant reveal to Charlie about himself?
Atom BulletWhat is Charlie's tragedy? Does it have any realistic parallels?
Atom Bullet At the end of the story is Charlie better off for his short experience as a genius?
Atom BulletWhat is the scientists' role in this experiment? Do they act responsibly?

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Further Exploration
Atom BulletThe expanded, novel-length version of the story includes a detailed love relationship between Charlie and Miss Kinnian. Is this addition to the story successful or not?
Atom BulletIf Charlie were your child, would you submit him to this operation? What if you knew before you agreed what the final outcome would be?
Atom BulletExplain the significance of the title of the story.

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© 2002 Agatha Taormina
Last Revised: January 4, 2005