Flowers For Algernon
1. What are the advantages/disadvantages in having superior intelligence?
There are many advantages and disadvantages for being super intelligent. Having this gift can either make your life better, or miserable. Some advantages include the fact that some people feel like with intelligence, they belong in society, and the ability to learn materials easier than others. But on the other hand, having super intelligence can shift you from what you truly desire and make you feel like you're alone for the rest of your life.
“I don’t know what’s worse: to not know what you are and be happy, or to become what you’ve always wanted to be, and feel alone.” ― Daniel Keyes, Flowers for Algernon
In Charlie’s case, before the operation, he thought that people loved him and he had many friends that he can look back to when he needed. He quoted:
“It is easy to make friends if you let pepul laff at you”
This statement suggests that he does not truly know what is happening in the world around him. But when he gained intelligence, he realized that these people were not truly his friends but only mocking him for what he really is.
2. Was it morally/ethically justified for Charlie's sister to say it was okay to operate on Charlie? Explain.
Charlie’s sister is a mature and ‘normal’ woman who is able to make smart decisions regarding her own life and the life of one of her family members. From this, she made a choice regarding Charlie’s situation and she came to a conclusion that she should in fact, agree to proceed with this surgery because she knows what best for her brother, Charlie.
3. Which Charlie was the REAL Charlie? Why?
The real Charlie was the one before the operation, even though he seemed ignorant of what was truly going on, he seemed happy and joyful of the world he lives. Before the operation, he truly believed that the people he worked with and interacted with on a daily basis were his friends and he was happy and felt good about making them laugh.
There are many advantages and disadvantages for being super intelligent. Having this gift can either make your life better, or miserable. Some advantages include the fact that some people feel like with intelligence, they belong in society, and the ability to learn materials easier than others. But on the other hand, having super intelligence can shift you from what you truly desire and make you feel like you're alone for the rest of your life.
“I don’t know what’s worse: to not know what you are and be happy, or to become what you’ve always wanted to be, and feel alone.” ― Daniel Keyes, Flowers for Algernon
In Charlie’s case, before the operation, he thought that people loved him and he had many friends that he can look back to when he needed. He quoted:
“It is easy to make friends if you let pepul laff at you”
This statement suggests that he does not truly know what is happening in the world around him. But when he gained intelligence, he realized that these people were not truly his friends but only mocking him for what he really is.
2. Was it morally/ethically justified for Charlie's sister to say it was okay to operate on Charlie? Explain.
Charlie’s sister is a mature and ‘normal’ woman who is able to make smart decisions regarding her own life and the life of one of her family members. From this, she made a choice regarding Charlie’s situation and she came to a conclusion that she should in fact, agree to proceed with this surgery because she knows what best for her brother, Charlie.
3. Which Charlie was the REAL Charlie? Why?
The real Charlie was the one before the operation, even though he seemed ignorant of what was truly going on, he seemed happy and joyful of the world he lives. Before the operation, he truly believed that the people he worked with and interacted with on a daily basis were his friends and he was happy and felt good about making them laugh.