15 Questions
What is the primary conflict that drives Charlie's journey in the novel Flowers for Algernon?
Charlie vs. his intellectual ability
What type of conflict is Charlie's struggle with his traumatic childhood an example of?
Internal Conflict: Person vs. Self
What is the overarching theme of the novel Flowers for Algernon, according to the text?
How conflicts shape our identities
What is the outcome of Charlie's struggle with his intellectual ability?
He undergoes an operation that changes his life
What is an example of an external conflict in the novel Flowers for Algernon?
Charlie's conflict with Professor Nemur
What is the relationship between conflicts and our identities, according to the text?
The way we handle conflicts defines and creates our identities
What is the significance of Alice in Charlie's journey?
She is a person Charlie wants to be intimate with
What does Professor Nemur want Charlie to do in the lab?
Play the part of a lab rat
What does Fay Lillman symbolize in the story?
Freedom and rebellion
What is the conflict between Charlie and Alice?
Person vs. person conflict due to Charlie's sexual immaturity
What does Charlie realize about the men at the bakery after his surgery?
They are laughing at him behind his back
What is the underlying theme of Charlie's story?
The search for identity and self-acceptance
What does Charlie want to achieve through the research study?
To gain friendship and relationships
What does Charlie realize about his life at the end of the novel?
He is alone and needs to help others
What is the overall message of the novel?
The need to confront our fears and emotional experiences
Study Notes
Definition of Conflict
- Conflict is a problem or struggle that a person or character faces in literature and in life.
- It's not the conflicts that define us, but the way we handle each conflict that defines and creates our identities.
Internal Conflict: Person vs. Self
- Internal conflict occurs when a character faces a problem or struggle in their own mind.
- In Flowers for Algernon, Charlie faces two types of internal conflict:
- Charlie vs. intellectual ability: Charlie struggles to become intelligent his entire life.
- Charlie vs. trauma: Charlie battles his traumatic childhood experiences and PTSD.
External Conflict: Person vs. Person
- External conflict occurs when a character faces a problem or struggle with an outside force, such as another person.
- Examples of person vs. person conflict in Flowers for Algernon:
- Charlie vs. Professor Nemur: Charlie and Professor Nemur disagree on how Charlie should be treated.
- Charlie vs. Fay: Charlie and Fay have conflicting views on freedom and rebellion.
- Charlie vs. Alice: Charlie and Alice have conflicting views on emotional growth and relationships.
- Charlie vs. Mom: Charlie struggles to confront his past memories of his mother.
External Conflict: Person vs. Society
- External conflict can also involve a person vs. society.
- Example of person vs. society conflict in Flowers for Algernon:
- Charlie vs. friendship: Charlie struggles to form genuine relationships with others due to his intellectual disability.
Theme & Analysis
- The novel explores the theme of identity and the search for self.
- Charlie's story is a reminder that creating intelligence has consequences, and that forming strong relationships requires time and effort.
- The novel encourages readers to confront their fears and emotional experiences to grow into their best selves and accept what life has given them.
Delve into the concept of conflict in literature, specifically in Daniel Keyes' novel Flowers for Algernon. Learn about the different types of conflicts and their connection to the theme.
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