'Flowers of Algernon' study guide

How does Charlie's attitude towards intelligence evolve throughout "Flowers for Algernon"? Consider the evidence from the text to support your answer.

• Charlie consistently values intelligence above all and his views do not change.

• Charlie initially sees intelligence as his goal, but later realizes the complexities and challenges that come with it.

• Charlie believes that emotional intelligence is more important than book intelligence from the beginning to the end of the story.

• Charlie’s views on intelligence remain unclear throughout the novel.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How does Charlie's relationships with other characters change as his intelligence increases.

• His relationships improve as he becomes smarter, suggesting that intelligence is key to better relationships.

• His relationships deteriorate, which illustrates that human connection is based on more than just intellect

• His relationships do not change, indicating that intelligence has no real impact on humans

• His relationships are only slightly affected, highlighting the nature of human interactions.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How does Ms. Kinnian influence Charlies understanding of himself and his transformation?

• Alice discourages Charlie’s intellectual growth, keeping him the way he was.

• Alice provides constant academic support but lacks emotional connection with Charlie.

• Alice acts as a starter for Charlie’s emotional and intellectual growth, helping him to see the value of human emotions alongside intellect.

• She does not care about Charlie's changes.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Analyze the significance of the "Algernon-Gordon Effect" within the story. How does this concept affect Charlie's understanding of his own changes?

• It confirms Charlie’s belief that increased intelligence is permanently sustainable.

• It leads Charlie to disregard any negative outcomes of his increased intelligence.

• It helps Charlie predict and understand the temporary nature of his intelligence enhancement.

• It is irrelevant to Charlie’s personal journey and serves no purpose in his understanding.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What does Charlie's final decision suggest about his character development?

• Charlie’s decision to publicize his story suggests he has fully embraced his identity.

• Charlie’s choice to retreat from society indicates a rejection of his earlier wants for intelligence.

• Charlie’s acceptance of his original state and his attitude in the end shows his growth in understanding and accepting himself.

• Charlie’s ending actions show no real acceptance, indicating a return to his initial state without any real change.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How does the point of view in "Flowers for Algernon" influence the reader's understanding of Charlie's intellectual and emotional changes?

• The third-person point of view provides an objective look, making Charlie’s changes seem less dramatic.

• The first-person narrative allows readers to experience the changes alongside Charlie.

• A shifting point of view confuses readers, making it difficult to understand Charlie’s changes.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Examine how Charlie's flashbacks contribute to the development of the theme of memory and learning in "Flowers for Algernon". What role do these memories play in his transformation?

• They highlight his intellectual stasis and lack of real learning.

• They serve as mere fillers that do not contribute to the elements of the story.

• They show the importance of past experiences in shaping his present identity.

• They show that Charlie’s past memories are unreliable and have no impact on his learning.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How does Professor Nemur contrast with Charlie in terms of their views on intelligence and humanity? Use specific examples from the text.

• Professor Nemur views intelligence as an unchanging, innate quality, unlike Charlie who sees it as evolving.

• Both characters view intelligence similarly, focusing solely on its benefits without acknowledging its complexities.

• Professor Nemur sees intelligence as a scientific achievement, while Charlie experiences its personal and emotional ramifications.

• There is no significant contrast, both characters ultimately come to the same conclusions about intelligence.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How does Dr Straus's support differ from other characters?

• Dr. Strauss offers no real support, leaving Charlie to navigate his changes alone.

• Dr. Strauss provides both scientific and emotional support.

• Dr. Strauss focuses only on the scientific aspects of Charlie’s transformation, ignoring the emotional side.

• Dr. Strauss is overly protective, preventing Charlie from making his own decisions and mistakes.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How to backgorund characters affect the story?

• Joe and Frank’s initial mockery and later pity for Charlie illustrate the theme of societal attitudes towards intelligence and disability.

• Fay and Burt have little to no impact on the development of any themes in the novel.

• Nemur and Alice primarily serve to advance the plot without contributing to thematic development.

• The landlady and the bakery owner provide critical insights into the everyday challenges faced by Charlie, but do not connect to broader themes.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking