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Flowers for Algernon (Literary techniques (Symbols and motifs…
Flowers for Algernon
Literary techniques
Symbols and motifs
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TV, Slasher movies, Comics and literature
First novel he reads is Robinson Crusoe #
Last novel he tries to read is Don Quixote . He can't understand the point about novel which is about a character who can't understand how the real world and his fantasy world are different #
Faye arguably symbolises a life of sin/fun. Her situation is very unrealistic, but it could represent that Keyes' belief that emotional intelligence and growth isn't tied logic. Unlike many other characters, Faye is actually able to handle some of the unpredictability of life.
The scientists themselves symbolise science as whole. At first, Charlie sees them as nearly godlike and all-knowing. Charlie even thinks seeking their advice on moral questions is perfectly logical. It takes some time for Charlie to realise that scientists are also humans
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Imagery
In particular, you could contrast the way Charlie speaks before the experiment, after the experiment and after he starts losing his intelligence
You don't have to focus just on Charlie's lack of skill in this regard. After the experiment, Charlie's use of imagery becomes more and more vivid and detailed. Eventually, Charlie vocabulary and sophisticated writing get incredibly abstract and these sections are the most difficult of the novel.
Themes
Science
Should be science be used to fundamentally change who we are? Do scientists have the right to improve us? Are scientists different from normal people?
Empathy
How hard is it for us to empathise with neuro-atypical people? How can are our commonalities bring us together.
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Family/memory
How much does a person's history dictate their life? How can a parent damage their child, and how much can that child blame parent for making human mistakes?
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The Freudian view on the mind. note this reflects the beliefs of psychologists at the time, but is nowadays considers mostly rubbish.
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The Bakery
They feel sympathy
His friends recognise he is a person now, instead of "just a retard"
When Charlie is smart
They don't like him
arrogant, judgemental, intimidating
Charlie is disappointed in everyone he used to think was smart, and not a good liar. He assumes everyone could learn what he does
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