F4A Plot and Style
The setting of the story (state)
What is New York?
a small crude shelter used as a dwelling
shanty
of or relating to the brain
cerebral
What does Charlie see during his first inkblot test?
Nothing at all. He just sees an ink stain.
What does Charlie name the experiment?
What is the Algernon-Gordon Effect?
A common phrase used in the factory to highlight poor performance or forgetfulness
the act of examining something closely, as for mistakes
scrutiny
characterized by unresponsiveness or lack of movement
catatonic
Why is Charlie concerned for Algernon near the end of the story?
Algernon bites him
Towards the end of the short story, the reader discovers that--like Algernon--the negative effects of the experiment will be... (2 negative effects)
1. Charlie will eventually lose all of his gained intelligence
2. Charlie will die in the same fashion as Algernon because his physical brain has been altered too much.
When Charlie leaves New York at the end of the story it is because he
What is he didn't want people to feel sorry for him.
an account of the author's personal experiences
memoir
fuse or cause to come together
coalesce
In what way do Joe Carp and Frank Rielly change or transform by the end of the story?
They are Charlie's bullies/tormentors at the beginning of the story and then become his protectors.
What are the first things Charlie starts to lose and what does he hope he never loses?
What is Charlie's memory; his reading and writing?
Flowers for Algernon is written in what point-of-view?
First Person
acceptance of an unpleasant but inevitable situation
resignation
a mental illness that makes you behave in an unusual way
neurosis
What do individuals with low IQ and extremely high IQ have in common?
Feelings of loneliness or isolation.
What is the name of the novel Charlie reads with Ms. Kinnian?
Robinson Crusoe
The doctors who were in charge of Charlie's operation and experiment
Who are Dr. Strauss and Dr. Nemur?
inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy
lethargy
lack of an adequate quantity or number
deficiency
Human experimentation should not be permitted because it has potential for causing irreversible psychological damage, emotional harm, and physical injury or death.
What writing style technique does the author use to demonstrate Charlie's intellectual development throughout the story? (list 2 techniques)
His journal entries:
1. Include fewer grammatical errors as he grows smarter
2. He uses more sophisticated language as he grows smarter
3. He writes lengthier posts, demonstrating that he has more to say and think about