Plot Points
What does Charlie say about the Rorschach test the first time he takes it? What is his answer?
He only sees ink spilled on a card.
Why is Charlie chosen for the experiment?
He is highly motivated to learn and wants to improve.
Is the story written in first, second, or third person?
First person POV
"I keep telling myself how important this introspective journal will be." What does introspective mean?
self reflective, looking inward, examining your own thoughts and actions
What is the name of the ink blot test?
The Rorschach Test
Why do Charlie's coworkers create a petition for him to get fired?
They do not know about the surgery/experiment, so they are frightened by his large increase in intelligence.
What is the relationship between Professor Nemur and Dr. Strauss like?
They bicker and are jealous of each other, both wanting credit for the project, as well as the success and fame.
What genre is Flowers for Algernon?
Science Fiction
"...the more sensational aspects of my own rapid climb cannot obscure the fact that the tripling of intelligence by Drs. Strauss and Nemur must be viewed as having little or no practical applicability to the increase of human intelligence." What does obscure mean?
To cover, conceal, mask
Is Charlie aware of his lower than average intelligence at the beginning of the story? How can you tell?
Yes, he is aware. He enrolls himself in school and goes to class after work because learning and becoming smarter than he is now is very important to him.
When does Charlie realize that his coworkers are not his friends?
They get him drunk and force him to dance with a girl, while sticking their legs out to trip him.
Why does Miss Kinnian refuse to date Charlie at first?
She is his teacher and they have a difference in intelligence and mental age.
“It was like a big hole opened up in the walls of my mind and I can just walk through.” (34)
Does this sentence contain an example of metaphor, simile, or personification?
Simile
Dr. Strauss is a neurosurgeon. What does "neurosurgeon" mean?
A brain surgeon or does brain surgery
What is the name of Charlie's landlord?
Mrs. Flynn
When do Charlie and the scientists realize that Algernon's intelligence is starting to fade?
When Algernon becomes aggressive and bites Charlie.
After touring the laboratory, what does Charlie ask Burt to do if Algernon should ever die?
To give Algernon to Charlie to bury instead of incinerate.
“He reminds me that language is sometimes a barrier instead of a pathway.” (88) Does this sentence contain an example of a simile, metaphor, or hyperbole, or personification.
Metaphor.
"Dr. Nemur said that Dr. Strauss was nothing but an opportunist who was trying to ride to glory on his coattails." What does opportunist mean?
Someone who takes advantage of situations for their personal gain.
What is the first thing Charlie starts to lose when his intelligence decreases again?
His memory
What is Charlie's hypothesis when he takes over the experiment?
Charlie thinks that he will lose his intelligence at the same speed he gained it, and the lose same amount that he gained.
How do Charlie's friends change over the course of the story?
At first they were bullies, then they were afraid of him, then they felt guilty and protected him, becoming more like real friends.
Charlie thinks his friends are nice to him. What type of irony is this and why?
Dramatic irony, because the reader can tell that his friends are actually very cruel and making fun of him.
"He says its the same thing and I have two minds. Theres the subconscious and the conscious (thats how you spell it). And one dont tell the other what its doing."
What is the subconscious mind?
Your subconscious is in the background, it deals with dreams and long term memory.
He sees a bat holding onto something and two men fencing.