Flowers for Algernon: Exploring Intelligence and Humanity
This worksheet explores themes of intelligence, human nature, and ethics through questions based on Daniel Keyes' 'Flowers for Algernon' for Grade 9 ELA students.
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Flowers for Algernon: Exploring Intelligence and Humanity
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Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful answers. Use complete sentences and textual evidence where appropriate.
1. The protagonist, Charlie Gordon, undergoes an experimental to increase his intelligence.
2. Charlie's intelligence is compared to a white mouse named .
3. The doctors who perform the surgery are Dr. Strauss and Professor .
1. What is Charlie's initial motivation for wanting the surgery?
To become rich and famous
To be smart and fit in with others
To prove his parents wrong
To get a better job
2. What is the primary conflict Charlie faces as his intelligence increases?
He struggles to learn new things.
He alienates his friends and feels isolated.
He cannot understand complex emotions.
He loses his job at the bakery.
1. Charlie's intelligence increase is permanent and irreversible.
True
False
2. Before the surgery, Charlie was treated kindly and respectfully by his co-workers at the bakery.
True
False
1. In what ways does Charlie's perception of his friends, Joe Carp and Frank Reilly, change after his intelligence increases?
The story of 'Flowers for Algernon' revolves around the human brain and its capacity for intelligence. Below is a diagram of the human brain.
2. Based on your understanding of the novel, how does the concept of intelligence, as explored in 'Flowers for Algernon,' relate to the physical brain and its functions? Consider both the benefits and drawbacks of Charlie's enhanced intelligence.
Consider the ethical implications of the experimental surgery performed on Charlie. Discuss whether the doctors were justified in their actions, weighing the potential benefits against the risks and ultimate outcome for Charlie. Support your argument with specific examples from the novel.