Study Guide Flowers for Algernon: PR 1-9

What does Charlie want?

• to teach the less fortunate
• to develop a surgery to help people become intelligent
• to be smart
• to become insta-famous

According to the text, what are the potential risks of the surgery? (Select all that apply.)

• the patient could lose his memory
• the patient might die
• the results won't last long
• the surgery might not work
• the patient's personality could change

Who recommended Charlie for the surgery?

• Mr. Donnegon
• Charlie's sister
• Dr. Strauss
• Dr. Nemur
• Miss Kinnian

What do Nemur and Strauss argue about?

• Nemur has another patient in mind who he feels is a better candidate for the surgery.
• Miss Kinnian changed her mind about recommending Charlie and now they need to find a replacement.
• Strauss wants to use Charlie for the surgery but Nemur does not.
• Strauss wants to continue testing the surgery on animals before using humans.

Charlie will be the first human to have the intelligence enhancing surgery.

• True
• False

Select the TRUE statement.

• Charlie was born with a mental disability. No matter how hard he works, he cannot increase his intelligence, just like no matter how hard someone who is confined to a wheelchair works, they will not walk again.
• If Charlie works hard enough, he could increase his intelligence all on his own - he just needs a growth mindset.

How do Charlie's coworkers react when Charlie returns to work after the surgery?

• They see the bandage and tease Charlie by asking if they "put some brains in" or if he "open[ed] the door the hard way."
• They see the bandage and are concerned about Charlie, asking if he is okay.
• They see the bandage but have no reaction and just work like normal without saying anything to Charlie.
• They are surprised he is back at work so soon after the surgery.

Is Charlie allowed to tell anyone about the surgery?

• Yes
• No

What does it mean to "pull a Charlie Gordon?"

• to do something foolish
• to do something nice
• to play a joke on someone
• to get in trouble for being lazy at work

What "gift" does Strauss give to Charlie?

• a tv that Charlie is supposed to turn on at night before he goes to sleep
• a book to read to help him get smarter
• a cage for Algernon to stay in when he's not at the lab
• a journal to write down his thoughts