15 Questions
Why did parents initially object to the book being taught in high school English courses?
Because of the sexuality and adult themes
What aspect of the book was the largest complaint from parents?
The sexuality and adult themes
What was the consequence of the book's explicit nature in several schools?
It was banned in several schools
What was the result of the book's challenge in some schools?
It was pulled out of the curriculum and put on the library shelves
What is the book's ranking on the American Library Association's list of most challenged books?
#47
In which states was the book banned in the '70s, '80s, and '90s?
Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Texas
What was the reaction of some parents to Charlie's ability to discard his sexual encounter with another woman?
They were outraged due to the lack of morality shown
Why did the adult nature of the book make the sexuality more vivid for the reader?
Because it was written in a more realistic and mature tone
What is the main plot of the story Flowers for Algernon?
A story about a man who undergoes an experiment to increase his intelligence.
What prompts Charlie to undergo the scientific experiment?
He yearns to be smarter and knows that he is not normal.
What is the significance of Algernon in the story?
Algernon is a mouse that was the original experiment for the intelligence serum.
What happens to Charlie as he becomes smarter?
He loses his friends and becomes aware of their pity.
What is the nature of Charlie's relationship with Alice?
They fall in love as Charlie becomes smarter.
What happens to Charlie at the end of the story?
The solution fails, and he devolves back into his original self.
Why was the book attacked by some critics?
The book was attacked for a small sex scene within its pages.
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.
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.
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