Procedure In Flowers For Algernon And The Awakening

In both Flowers for Algernon and The Awakening, the main characters go through a process in order to better their quality of life. In Flowers for Algernon, Charlie Gordon undergoes a procedure to triple his intelligence level. Charlie is elated to be the subject of this medical experiment. He can’t wait to finally be smart. In The Awakening, Leonard Lowe is administered a large dose of medicine (L-DOPA) in hopes of bringing him out of his catatonic state. In both circumstances, the results of the scientific process last for only a very short time before the character returns to his original state. However the brief moment of pure happiness outweighs the crash that eventually follows. One advantage of experimental procedures is that regardless of what happens, the results of the procedure will allow the community to gain knowledge in science. In science, a failure is just as
The family’s approval is of course a relevant part of the decision. Procedures such as the ones administered to Charlie and Leonard, provide for rekindled relationships with family members. In Leonard’s experience, his procedure allows him to finally communicate with his mother, after years of silence. Even for a short amount of time, the communication is comforting to her. Leonard is at last able to express his love for his mother, and he is able to communicate with her as a normal person would. In addition, the two men are allowed to speak with friends in a natural fashion. Charlie is able to understand Mrs. Kinnian, his teacher, and better their relationship as a result of the procedure. Leonard becomes interested in a woman named Paula, and because of the operation, he can speak to her and show his intrigue just as any other man is able to. When the experimental procedures are a success, they allow for the restoration of old relationships as well as the creation of new ones. These relationships allow for a more normal and cheerful