Flowers to Algernon

Question 1

written by who and when?

Answer 1

1959

by Daniel Keyes

Question 2

what is intergral for humans to realise their capacity?

Answer 2

While not every experience may lead to great epiphanies, positive momentous change, the process of exploration is intergral

Question 3

Body 1: what does an individual’s need and desire to make new discoveries and engage with the world and its values lead to?

Answer 3

new understandings and renewed perceptions of ourselves and others

Question 4

Body 1: what is central theme of Algernon?

Answer 4

‘man playing god’, like Prospero does in the island

Question 5

Body 1: when does novel begin?

Answer 5

begins in Spring, which is symbolic of new beginnings and re-birth, similar to Shakespeare’s use of the cathartic tempest

Question 6

Body 1: however, the progress reports comes to an end in…?

Answer 6

November, where Autumn symbolised the loss of new growth, and the beginning of regression

Question 7

Body 1: however, what happens during this time period to Charlie, the main protaganist of story?

Answer 7

begins to develop intelligence and discover the world around him from a new perspective

Question 8

Body 1: how is his development of intelligence and discovery conveyed?

Answer 8

the clichéd metaphor when describing Charlie as a “giant sponge soaking in knowledge”

Question 9

Body 1: what does surgery do to him?

Answer 9

his heightened intelligence allows him to discover more about the world

Question 10

Body 1: negative impact of surgery though?

Answer 10

but the more his intelligence increases the more he grows arrogant and disagreeable, recoiling from human contact, just like Prospero post exile.

Question 11

Body 1: symbolic, Biblical reference to Adam and Eve?

Answer 11

“It was evil when Eve listened to the sake and ate from the tree of knowledge”

Question 12

Body 1: effect of symbolism and biblical reference?

Answer 12

foreshadows Charlie’s fall in intelligence

Question 13

Body 1: what does he begin to discover through help of others, esp Alice?

Answer 13

begins to discover and understand his past and accept himself, learning that intellectual superiority is not the most important goal of a human life

Question 14

Body 1: how is his final discovery similar to Prospero?

Answer 14

Prospero realises at the end with the abandonment of his books after reconnecting with touchstone character and old wise friend, Gonzalo.

Question 15

Body 1: often, how do we make discoveries?

Answer 15

thru others

Question 16

Body 2: what does knowledge and new ideas contribute to?

Answer 16

the liberating nature of discovery of self, our limitations and our potential. It derives from our innate desire to grow and attain self-actualisation.

Question 17

Body 2: what does Daniel Keye’s character Charlie discover through learning and increasing intelligence?

Answer 17

discovers that “artificially increased intelligence deteriorate at a rate of time directly proportional to the quantity of the increase”.

Question 18

Body 2: impact of scientific breakthrough?

Answer 18

will help future subjects of the operation

Question 19

Body 2: what did such knowledge of the end result of surgery lead to?

Answer 19

knowledge triggered self-reflection and desire for moral cleansing

Question 20

Body 2: What symbolises and acts as a precursor to his own emotional independence?

Answer 20

Charlie’s action of freeing Algernon, the lab rat, from his cage and abandonment of the laboratory

Question 21

Body 2: What does he learn near the end of the novel, when his intelligence begins to deteriorate?

Answer 21

he learns to love and forgive other people just like Prospero

Question 22

Body 2: Quote to show use of inaccuracy in his grammar, spelling and punctuation

Answer 22

“P.S. please tel prof Nemur not to be such a grouch when pepul laff at him and he would have more frends…”

Question 23

Body 2: what does inaccurate sentences symbolise?

Answer 23

his loss of intelligence, but also his desire to pass on his emotional discoveries to Nemur so he could have a better future, despite his inability to articulately express it.

Question 24

Body 2: what does Charlie discover by near end of his intelligence?

Answer 24

that the lessons he learned applies to humans universally, regardless of status or sense of superiority

Question 25

Body 2: what does Charlie reveal about foundation of growth as individuals?

Answer 25

the foundation of their growth as individuals and the platform for discovery is determined by the mindset of an individual