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Flowers For Algernon Literary Analysis

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The Reflection of Society When will technology be able to alter the minds intelligence, and what will become of society once it happens? Charlie Gordon,a mentally challenged adult, undergoes an operation to increase his intelligence. He embarks on a journey, changing, discovering, and learning many things. But not everything changes, and Charlie begins to realize his former self never left his body or mind. In Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes identity, rights of people, and perseverance are three thematic ideas found within the story. Daniels Keyes uses the thematic idea of identity to enhance the story. The story starts with Charlie Gordon, a mentally challenged man, about to undergo an operation to magnify his intelligence. After the operation, Charlie begins to realize that there is so much more to the world than …show more content…

Before the operation Charlie had a love for learning, and he had a passion to develop intellect. He is very determined to apprehend aptitude so he gain more friends. Believing in himself he thinks “After the operashun Im gonna try to be smart. Im gonna try awful hard”(11). Whether Charlie can comprehend what is going on or not he has drive to become smart. He never gives up and always tries harder. Even when he starts to deteriorate Charlie promises himself to fight for the intelligence he has gained. Looking deep into himself he finds the old Charlie Gordon asking to be apart of the world again. He responds “I’m not your friend. I’m your enemy. I’m not going to give up my intelligence without a struggle. I can’t go back down into that cave”(252). Afraid of being mentally challenged again Charlie tries harder to hang on to anything he can. ot ready to leave his intelligence behind Charlie still strives to learn and keep all he can. Charlie’s intellect, deteriorating within him, his hard work and accomplishments will always be remembered in the medical science

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