As we read on in Flowers for Algernon, it find it quite interesting to see Charlie's development mentally and emotionally. It's quite extraordinary to see the memories that Charlie remembers from different periods in his childhood. For example, when he remembered how his childhood 'friend' rewrote Charlie's Valentines Day letter to a girl to make it insulting to her to the point were he had to switch schools. Or how in just about a day, he managed to grab the concept of grammar for his next progress report had almost perfect punctuation. Charlie's advances intellectually make me wonder whether this could happen in real life or if this is currently happening. Yet, we wouldn't be able to find out that information for the experiment done on Charlie I believe is illegal. Another interesting thing I picked up while reading was Charlie's development emotionally. Based off his progress intellectually, he has become more aware of everything that happens to and around him. He finally realizes that his 'friends' are mocking him when he previous thought they were laughing with him which leads for him to discover embarrassment. His ability to now challenge new assumptions has brought on confusion to him, but he understands that his mental handicap made it easier for his 'friends' to mock him later on. He is beginning to see just how complex and amazing the world around him really is and that is quite amazing. What do you guys think?
I personally find it interesting that his increased intelligence has alienated him even more. He could no longer hold a conversation with anyone who had an average intelligence, like Miss Kinnian. I think it shows that in order to be accepted into society Charlie must be of "average intelligence." Also, I like how, despite Charlie's raised intelligence, it still feels like the same person is writing his journals. However, I do not think that the experiment is illegal because Dr Strauss and Dr Nemur presented their research to other scientists at a convention.
ReplyDelete