Plot
What is the inciting incident in the story?
Charlie is chosen to undergo the experimental operation to improve his intelligence.
Why does the author present the story through Charlie’s progress reports?
To show how Charlie’s intelligence and understanding change over time
Was Dr. Jensen’s experiment on Smallpox ethical? Did it work out well in the end?
It was not ethical. It did work out well in the end.
How does Charlie's writing change over the course of the story?
It starts out with lots of mistakes, gets better, then goes back to how it was in the beginning.
The climax of the story happens when...
Charlie realizes his intelligence is only temporary.
Why do the workers at the factory want Charlie fired?
Charlie's intelligence is so high that it intimidates them.
It was not ethical. It did not work out well in the end.
How does great intelligence change Charlie's life?
He finds it harder to make connections with people.
What is the first sign that Algernon is starting to decline (get worse)?
He bites Charlie.
Why does Dr. Nemur want the experiment to be successful?
Dr. Nemur wants recognition in the scientific community.
From what point of view is Flowers for Algernon written?
1st
What state does Charlie live in?
New York
Charlie's "friends", Joe and Frank, often take advantage of Charlie because he is different. Who else in the story takes advantage of Charlie?
The doctors who did the experiment
What motivates Charlie Gordon most in the story?
his desire to be smart
What part of the Nuremberg Code (see Human Experimentation article) does Charlie's doctors violate?
Voluntary Consent
How does Charlie's feelings about Algernon change?
He hates him at first and then later considers him a friend.
Does the author or Flowers for Algernon believe that a person's worth is based on their intelligence?
No
Why does Miss Kinnian feel guilty about what happens to Charlie after the operation?
She is the one who suggested him to the doctors.
World War 2
Where does Charlie work?
a factory