Flowers for Algernon
by Daniel Keyes
Table of Contents
Discussion Questions
1. When Charlie observes Gimpy stealing from the cash register at the bakery, he experiences a moral dilemma. What is the nature of his dilemma? How does he ultimately resolve it? Do you agree or disagree with the way Charlie handles the situation?
2. When Charlie takes Alice on a date to the movies, he is angry because the film is not believable. He says, “Even in the world of make-believe there have to be rules. The parts have to be consistent and belong together. This kind of picture is a lie.” Flowers for Algernon is a work of make-believe, too. In your opinion, does Daniel Keyes make it seem like a “lie,” or does it consistently hold together in the way Charlie means? Use specific examples to support your argument.
3. Throughout the novel, Algernon’s experiences parallel Charlie’s. In what literal ways are their experiences similar? How does Algernon serve as a metaphor for Charlie’s experiences?
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