DKDC Revision - Son's Character

In the Prologue (Introduction), Son seems like a typical (usual) teenager who "Don't Know, Don't Care" about his family's need for love and care. He is self-centred & unconcerned about his family.

He describes Grandfather as “a million years old” [Hyperbole].

What does it suggest about his relationship with Grandfather?

• He suggests that Grandfather is ancient.

• He suggests about their Generation Gap & that Grandfather and him can have nothing in common whatsoever.

• He suggests that Grandfather may have seen dinosaurs in his childhood.

Son was unhappy about Grandfather staying with them because he hardly _____________ him as he did not interact or communicate with him much.

However, Son's attitude gradually changes because Grandfather is perceptive (understanding) and wants to bond with his grandson.

HOW does Grandfather bond with Son?

• He recalls the past when Son used to sing and encourages him to follow his interests / dreams (unlike Mother who wants him to focus on his career only).

• He asks about & guides Son with his social relationships (as Grandfather finds him too shy to express his feelings for his girlfriend).

• He helps him with his academics (like teaching him Chinese Language, Son's weak subject).

• ALL of the above.

Although, initially, Son gets to know Grandfather, he still does not know HOW to care. This is evident when Son does not help Grandfather when he is in intense pain and suffering.

However, gradually, Son learns to care for Grandfather and ...

• spends quality time & shares his problems (communicates honestly) with Grandfather,

• tries to relieve GF's pain & suffering by massaging his back,

• and even argues with Mother about Grandfather's need for love and care ("family care"), instead of sending him to hospital for "medical care" (which Mother thinks is best).

• All of the above

In the Epilogue (Conclusion), Son shares about the importance of family care and love.

Thus, he changes from a self-centred (selfish) teenager who "Didn't Know, Didn't Care" to one who Does Know, Does Care and cared deeply for his Grandfather and Mother. He willingly shares in Mother's responsibility of caring for the terminally ill Grandfather.

What lesson did the Son learn from the book, Flowers for Algernon?

• He learnt that one should always give flowers to family members.

• He learnt that Algernon received flowers on his 13th birthday.

• He learnt that caring for others is equally, if not more important, than intellectual accomplishments - "The more you give, the more you will receive"

• Sorry, he learnt nothing!