Kristen's Page

     Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

    [source: http://www.middlebury.edu/NR/rdonlyres/153CB86C-653F-4F2B-AA55-9D9359A47144/0/mouse.jpg]

Question:

Do you think Charlie's attitude towards life and humanity is affected after he undergoes his unsuccessful surgery?

           After reading Daniel Keyes' Flowers for Algernon, I have noticed that Charlie, the main character, has changed his ideas and attitudes towards life. Throughout the novel, the readers witness his struggles and accomplishments of having undergone a surgery to enhance his intelligence. In the beginning of the novel, Charlie is presented to us as a middle-aged man who is mentally challenged. He appreciates his life and the people he works with, although most of them make fun of him. We realize that even though Charlie's life is severely affected by his intelligence, he has found a way to live his life to the fullest.

         An example of a change that I have noticed throughout the novel is Charlie’s appreciation of life.  Charlie’s mother and father had always told him he was a shame to the family and did not belong to them, especially after the birth of his sister. Therefore, when Charlie was growing up he felt ignored and worthless. Charlie had developed a hate for his sister. After his surgery when Charlie comes home, he is able to speak to his sister and understand everything that happened. He understands that his sister cared for him and wanted him to succeed. I think that after this, Charlie has a better understanding of his purpose in life. Although Charlie’s surgery has had some success, there are also many consequences of having a higher intelligence. An example is Charlie’s trust in people; in humanity. After his surgery, Charlie realizes that everyone he worked with and who he thought were his friends were not the people he thought they were. Throughout the years, they had been picking on him and making fun of him. This causes Charlie to become very hostile and cautious towards others.

           To conclude, in my opinion, Daniel Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon presents us with two very different Charlies from the start to the end of the novel. This is demonstrated not only by negative changes, but by positive ones as well. The Charlie at the end of the novel is lonely, hopeless and untrusting. I think by reading this novel we can say that by always wanting and expecting better of ourselves, we may end up worse then before. As humans we should appreciate our life right now, in this instant. We should live for today and never expect a tomorrow.