Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why did parents initially object to the book being taught in high school English courses?
Why did parents initially object to the book being taught in high school English courses?
- Because of the book's popularity among students
- Because of the sexuality and adult themes (correct)
- Because of the book's introspective nature
- Due to the reference to alcohol and language
What aspect of the book was the largest complaint from parents?
What aspect of the book was the largest complaint from parents?
- The language used in the book
- The reference to alcohol
- The book's introspective nature
- The sexuality and adult themes (correct)
What was the consequence of the book's explicit nature in several schools?
What was the consequence of the book's explicit nature in several schools?
- It was pulled out of the curriculum and put on the library shelves
- It was banned in several schools (correct)
- It was only taught to students in advanced classes
- It was taught as a special elective
What was the result of the book's challenge in some schools?
What was the result of the book's challenge in some schools?
What is the book's ranking on the American Library Association's list of most challenged books?
What is the book's ranking on the American Library Association's list of most challenged books?
In which states was the book banned in the '70s, '80s, and '90s?
In which states was the book banned in the '70s, '80s, and '90s?
What was the reaction of some parents to Charlie's ability to discard his sexual encounter with another woman?
What was the reaction of some parents to Charlie's ability to discard his sexual encounter with another woman?
Why did the adult nature of the book make the sexuality more vivid for the reader?
Why did the adult nature of the book make the sexuality more vivid for the reader?
What is the main plot of the story Flowers for Algernon?
What is the main plot of the story Flowers for Algernon?
What prompts Charlie to undergo the scientific experiment?
What prompts Charlie to undergo the scientific experiment?
What is the significance of Algernon in the story?
What is the significance of Algernon in the story?
What happens to Charlie as he becomes smarter?
What happens to Charlie as he becomes smarter?
What is the nature of Charlie's relationship with Alice?
What is the nature of Charlie's relationship with Alice?
What happens to Charlie at the end of the story?
What happens to Charlie at the end of the story?
Why was the book attacked by some critics?
Why was the book attacked by some critics?
Study Notes
Flowers for Algernon Synopsis
- Written in 1959, Flowers for Algernon is a fantasy sci-fi story about Charlie Gordon, a mentally handicapped man who undergoes a scientific experiment to increase his intelligence.
- The experiment is based on a successful trial with a mouse named Algernon, which showed increased intelligence.
- The story is told through Charlie's journal entries, documenting his evolution into a smarter person.
Charlie's Transformation
- As Charlie grows smarter, he loses his friends, realizing they pitied him rather than having real friendships.
- He becomes aware of negative behavior he previously didn't notice.
- He develops a romantic relationship with Alice, his teacher, who had always thought of him fondly.
Relationship and Downfall
- Charlie and Alice's relationship blooms, but ultimately falls apart as the solution fails, and Charlie reverts to his original self.
- Before losing his intelligence, Charlie tries to correct the formula throughout his journal entries.
Controversy and Challenges
- The book was attacked for a small sex scene between Charlie and Alice, which was considered risqué.
- The book was also challenged for references to alcohol and language.
- The adult nature of the book made the sexuality more vivid and realistic for readers.
Banning and Censorship
- The book was banned in several schools in the US (Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Texas) in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s due to the explicit nature of the sex scenes.
- The book was also challenged in other schools, where it was pulled from the curriculum and made available only in libraries.
- Flowers for Algernon ranks #47 on the American Library Association's list of most challenged books.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the classic sci-fi novel Flowers for Algernon, which tells the story of Charlie Gordon's remarkable transformation. Explore the themes, characters, and plot of this thought-provoking book.
