Flowers for Algernon Novel Overview

Flowers for Algernon: Overview

• The novel is a science fiction story about Charlie Gordon, a developmentally handicapped man, written by Daniel Keyes in 1966.
• The novel is told through Charlie's journal entries, which initially show his mental state through spelling errors.
• The story is set in the 1960s in New York City, which provides a mundane setting for the fantastical element of intelligence-boosting surgery.

Setting

• The setting is critical in the novel, highlighting the difference between the 1960s and modern-day attitudes towards disabilities and medical ethics.
• Charlie's surroundings change throughout the novel, showcasing his growing mental state.
• The story takes place in and around New York City, with key events happening in Brooklyn and Chicago.

Plot Summary

• Charlie's uncle gets him a job at a bakery to prevent him from being sent to the Warren Home.
• Charlie takes classes at the Beekman College Center for Retarded Adults, where he meets Alice Kinnian, who helps him volunteer for an experimental medical procedure to boost intelligence.
• Charlie's IQ increases to genius levels over three months, and his journal entries become more focused and professional.
• Charlie's increased intelligence leads to strained relationships with others, including Alice and his coworkers.
• Charlie runs away with Algernon, a mouse who was also subjected to the procedure, and begins to research the procedure to improve it.
• Charlie realizes the procedure's effects are temporary and Algernon dies, leading to Charlie's intelligence slowly fading away.

Analysis of Setting

• The change of setting provides Charlie with new opportunities and experiences.
• The setting highlights the preconceptions regarding people with mental disabilities and their treatment in the 1960s.
• Charlie's experiences in New York City and Chicago show him the lack of compassion and understanding in people with supposedly advanced intellects.
• The novel highlights the difference between analytical intelligence and emotional intelligence, as Charlie struggles with social relationships despite his increased intelligence.