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1.Keyes was born in New York City, New York.

His family was


Jewish.

Daniel Keyes (1927-2014) was an American author best known for his science fiction novel
"Flowers for Algernon," which explores themes of intelligence, identity, and the human
condition. Early Life and Education:

 He attended New York University, where he earned a degree


in psychology. His background in psychology would later
influence his writing.
 and the fact that he is well versed in psychology and related
sciences like medicine and so on can be seen in this text
because it describes well what was happening in the main
character. probably a person who only knows this can write
such a thing
2. "Flowers for Algernon":
Themes in His Works:
 Keyes's works often revolve around themes of human intelligence, the human
condition, identity, and the treatment of individuals with intellectual
disabilities.
 "Flowers for Algernon" in particular delves into the complexities of
intelligence, its limitations, and the emotional toll of sudden change.
3. Awards and Honors:
 Daniel Keyes received several awards and recognitions for his writing, with
the most notable being the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1959 for the
original short story version of "Flowers for Algernon."
4. Other Works:
 In addition to "Flowers for Algernon," Keyes wrote numerous other novels
and short stories, including "The Touch," "The Fifth Sally," and "The Minds of
Billy Milligan."
Later Life: 1. Keyes was born in New York City, New York. His family
was Jewish.

5.
 Keyes continued to write and teach creative writing even after the success of
"Flowers for Algernon."
6. Mr. Keyes was the editor of Marvel Science Stories, a pulp magazine published by
Magazine Management, and also wrote for the company’s comic book line, Atlas
Comics.

2.Short summary

 The story revolves around the experimental transformation of a


mentally challenged man named Charlie Gordon into a genius
through surgery, and it explores the ethical and emotional
implications of such a transformation.

2. Synonyms for "INTELLIGENT":

1. Smart
 This term refers to someone who has a high level of intellectual capability,
often associated with problem-solving and quick thinking. It's a positive and
widely used synonym for "intelligent."
2. Bright

 Bright" also implies a high level of


"

intelligence, particularly in academic or


cognitive areas. It can be used in various
situations to compliment someone's intellect.
3. Clever
 "Clever" suggests a combination of

intelligence and resourcefulness. It often


implies the ability to think creatively and come
up with innovative solutions to problems.
4. Sharp
 "Sharp" denotes quick-wittedness and mental

acuity. It can refer to someone who grasps


concepts easily and can respond rapidly to
challenges.
5. Brainy
 This informal term refers to someone who is

very intellectual and has a deep knowledge of


a subject. It's typically used in a positive
context to describe someone's intelligence.
6. Wise
 While "wise" can also relate to life experience

and good judgment, it's often used to


describe someone with a high level of
intelligence and the ability to make informed
decisions.

Antonyms for "INTELLIGENT":

1. Stupid
 This is a direct opposite of "intelligent" and

implies a lack of intellectual ability or


understanding.
2. Dull
 "Dull" suggests a lack of mental sharpness or

brightness. It can be used to describe


someone who is not quick to grasp concepts.
3. Ignorant
 "Ignorant" indicates a lack of knowledge or

awareness, especially in specific areas. It


doesn't necessarily imply a lack of intelligence
but rather a lack of information.
4. Unintelligent
 This term straightforwardly opposes

"intelligent" and implies a lower level of


cognitive ability.
5. Dim-witted
 "Dim-witted" is a pejorative term used to

describe someone who is slow to understand


or lacks intelligence.
6. Simple-minded
 "Simple-minded" refers to someone who has
a limited capacity for complex or deep
thinking. It can be used to describe someone
who approaches situations in a
straightforward and uncomplicated manner.
Recall the situations the expressions are used in.
the word "retarded" is used to describe someone who is mentally
challenged or has a cognitive disability. It is used to refer to the boy
working as a dishwasher at the corner diner who has just broken
some dishes.
the term "feeble-minded" is used to describe someone with low
intelligence or intellectual abilities. The passage discusses the
protagonist's realization of his own past when he had low
intelligence. He reflects on how he was once "feeble-minded" and
lacked the ability to read and write.
convention" refers to a formal gathering or conference of people
who share a common interestThe passage describes how the
protagonist and Algernon created a sensation at the convention,
which means that their presence and achievements garnered
significant attention and interest among the attendees.
The expression "have sb around" is used to indicate having
someone present or in one's company. In the context you provided,
it is used to describe the presence of people, specifically Miss
Kinnian, Joe Carp, Frank Reilly, Ellen, and others in the protagonist's
life or situations.
The word "contribution" is used in the context you provided to refer
to something that someone adds or gives to a particular field,
project, or endeavor. In the excerpts you provided, the term
"contribution" is used to describe the work, research, and findings of
the protagonist, Charlie Gordon. He has conducted experiments and
research related to intelligence
The expression "ride on sb’s coattails" is used in the context to
suggest that one person is trying to achieve success or recognition
by attaching themselves to another person who is more
accomplished or prominent. Charlie Gordon is reflecting on the
argument between Dr. Nemur and Dr. Strauss regarding their roles
in his intelligence-increasing experiment. Dr. Nemur accuses Dr.
Strauss of trying to "ride to glory on his coattails
The expression "a shrew of a wife" is a derogatory term that
describes a woman who is perceived as ill-tempered, nagging, or
difficult to deal with in a marriage or relationship
it's mentioned that Burt, a character in the story, has made a
comment about Dr. Nemur's wife, referring to her as a "shrew of a
wife." This comment implies that Burt believes Dr. Nemur's wife is
domineering and may be pressuring him
The word "petition" refers to a formal, written request or
document that is signed by a group of people and presented to
a person
In the provided context, Charlie Gordon mentions that Mr.
Donnegan, the owner of the plastic box company where he worked,
showed him a petition signed by 840 people from the factory.
except for Fanny Girden, signed it.
Drive a wedge" - This phrase is often used metaphorically to
describe the action of creating conflict between people or
groups. In the text, Charlie mentions that his newfound intelligence
has driven a wedge between him and the people he once knew and
loved, meaning that it has caused a divide or conflict in their
relationships.
a feeling that you are less important, intelligent, or skillful than
other people.In the context of the text, Charlie mentions that
Dr. Nemur is experiencing an inferiority complex. He believes
that Dr. Nemur's desire for recognition and acceptance of his work is
driven by a need to prove himself as a genius and gain approval
from others.
Vacuous" is an adjective that describes something as lacking in
substance, significance, or intelligence. In the text, the word
"vacuous" is used to describe the boy who works as a dishwasher in
a diner. The boy is portrayed as having a vacant or empty expression
on his face and is described as having wide, bright eyes like a child.
His smile is referred to as "vacuous" because it appears to lack
depth or understanding.
"Artificial" is an adjective that describes something that is made
by humans, as opposed to something that is natural. In the
context of the text, "artificial increase of human intelligence" refers
to the process of enhancing human intelligence through surgery or
medical procedures, which is not a natural occurrence but rather a
product of scientific and medical advancements.
Deteriorate" is a verb that means to become worse in quality or
condition over time. When something deteriorates, it means
that it is declining, breaking down
In the context of the text, it is used to describe the negative changes
that are occurring in the mental and physical condition of Algernon
"Oversensitive" is an adjective used to describe someone who is
excessively or overly sensitive to various stimuli, situations In
the context of the text, it suggests that the narrator, Charlie Gordon,
is highly sensitive to being mocked or made fun of, and he becomes
upset or disturbed when he believes he is the target of such
behavior.
"Senility" is a noun that refers to the mental and physical
decline associated with old age. In the context of the text, the
narrator, Charlie Gordon, expresses concerns about experiencing
symptoms of senility, including memory loss and cognitive decline,
as a result of the rapid deterioration of his increased intelligence.

"Impaired" is an adjective that means weakened, damaged, or


diminished in quality, function, or ability. In the context of the
text, it is used to describe the narrator, Charlie Gordon's,
deteriorating physical and mental condition. For example, "Motor
activity impaired" indicates that his ability to coordinate his
movements and engage in physical activities is weakened or
damaged
Quiz kid" refers to a person, typically a child or young
individual, who is known for their exceptional intelligence and
knowledge
In the text, the term is used somewhat ironically, as Charlie Gordon
mentions that someone made a sarcastic comment about him being
a "quiz kid" when he returned to work after his intelligence-
enhancing surgery.
The expression "take one's part" means to support, defend, or
advocate for someone when they are facing difficulties or
challenges.
In the provided text, Joe Carp and Frank Reilly "take Charlie's part"
by defending him and standing up for him when others make fun of
him for his changed intelligence.
The word "accomplish" means to successfully complete or
achieve a task, goal, or objective. It implies that something has
been done or achieved effectively.

In the provided text, Miss Kinnian mentions to Charlie that he is


accomplishing a lot in a short amount of time due to his rapid
increase in intelligence. She emphasizes that he is learning and
acquiring knowledge at an extraordinary pace, far exceeding what is
typically achieved in a lifetime.

The word "introspective" refers to the process of examining or


reflecting upon one's own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In
the provided text, when the author mentions "introspective journal,"
they are referring to a personal journal or diary in which they record
and reflect upon their thoughts and experiences.

Shades of meanings and usage situations:

 The choice of word depends on the context and the level of emphasis you want to
convey. For instance, if you want to compliment someone's intelligence, you would
use a synonym like "smart" or "bright." If you want to criticize someone's lack of
intelligence, you might use an antonym like "stupid" or "ignorant."

3. Check the meaning of these words:


 Janitor:джаніта
 A "jаnitor" is a person responsible for cleaning and
maintaining a building, typically in a school, office, or
public facility. Janitors perform tasks like sweeping,
mopping, emptying trash cans, and ensuring the
cleanliness of the premises.
 Rorschach Test: рушаш
 The "Rorschach Test" is a psychological test used to

assess a person's thought disorder, emotional


functioning, and underlying thought disorder by having
them respond to a series of inkblots. The patient is asked
to describe what they see in each inkblot, which can
provide insights into their thought processes and
emotions.
 Inkblots: a small area of ink on a surface or piece of paper, either
made by mistake or used as part of a psychological test
 Plateau: платоу
 A "plateau" can have a few different meanings:
 a large flat area of land that is high above sea level
 a period during which there are no large changes
 Big-shot husband:
 "Big-shot husband" is not a standard English term.

However, it might be used informally to describe a


husband who is highly successful, influential, or
prominent in his career or social circle. The term "big
shot" implies a person of importance or significance.
 Amnesia:амнІзіа
 "Amnesia" is a medical and psychological condition

characterized by a partial or total loss of memory.


4. Complete the sentences with the appropriate words from the
Vocabulary list.
 Charlie read Robinson Crusoe, a novel about a man marooned

on an island.
 Miss Kinnian told Charlie that he was making a great

contribution to science.
 Charlie overheard a conversation in which Dr. Nemur’s wife is

described as a shrew of a wife.


 Charlie acquired a photographic memory.
 A petition was written to have Charlie fired.
 Charlie hoped to accomplish an increase in his intelligence.
 Charlie became oversensitive after he was told that he was
giving Dr. Nemur an inferiority complex.
 Charlie was not born with great intelligence. His intelligence is
artificial.
 The incident with the dishwasher in the diner caused Charlie to
have a little introspective into his own life.
 Charlie became so overloaded with information that he
suffered from senility and could no longer recall some of the
facts.
 Charlie’s memory was no longer impaired after the surgery.
When the mouse backslides, suffers, then dies as a result of the experiment, Charlie mourns not only for
Algernon (with flowers on a backyard grave) but also for what he knows lies ahead for himself

What is Algernon a symbol of?

Characters as Symbols

Algernon's journey is a reflection of Charlie's own reality and the mortality he has to
eventually accept and face. For Charlie, Algernon symbolizes his own identity and
struggles. For the reader, Algernon symbolizes fate, reality, and death.
 Unfortunately, as time passes, Algernon, the mouse who underwent the same
procedure, starts to show signs of regression, losing his increased intelligence.
Charlie begins to fear that he will suffer the same fate. His fears become a
reality when he, too, starts to regress mentally.

The story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, offering a powerful commentary on the
human condition and the value of empathy and understanding.
3. TEXT ANALYSIS
1. Dr. Strauss and Dr. Nemur, are planning an experiment to increase
human intelligence through surgical means. They want to perform a
procedure on a human subject that they have previously tested on a
laboratory mouse named Algernon. The procedure involves a
surgical technique to artificially increase intelligence.

The predicted results of the experiment are as follows:

1. Increased Intelligence: The doctors expect that the surgical procedure will
significantly increase the intelligence of the human subject, much like it did with
Algernon. They hope that the subject will experience a dramatic improvement in
cognitive abilities, including learning, memory, problem-solving, and overall mental
function.
2. Enhanced Learning: The subject is expected to learn and retain information at an
accelerated rate, making rapid progress in various intellectual pursuits.
Scientific Advancement: Dr. Strauss and Dr. Nemur also hope that the success
of this experiment will contribute significantly to the field of science and our
understanding of human intelligence.

Charlie Gordon, the protagonist of the story, and Algernon, the laboratory
mouse, were subjected to the same tests and experiments because the
doctors wanted to determine the effectiveness and safety of the surgical
procedure before attempting it on a human. Algernon was the initial test
subject, and the success of the procedure on him led the doctors to believe it
might work on a human as well. Charlie, who had an intellectual disability, was
chosen as the human subject for the experiment due to his willingness and
desire to become smarter.
1. 2. Charlie's Motivation: Charlie is highly motivated to become smarter. Despite his
intellectual disability, he has a strong desire to learn and improve himself. He
attends night classes at the Beekman College Center for Retarded Adults to improve
his reading and writing skills. His motivation and determination make him an ideal
candidate.
2. Willingness to Participate: Charlie willingly agrees to undergo the experimental
surgery to increase his intelligence. He is eager to take the opportunity to enhance
his cognitive abilities, demonstrating his commitment to the experiment.
3. Emotional Stability: Charlie is emotionally stable and capable of understanding the
risks and implications of the surgery. His emotional resilience is a crucial factor in his
suitability for the procedure.
3. In "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes, the first sign of Charlie's
intelligence changing after the surgery is his rapid improvement in
spelling and grammar. Shortly after the operation, he starts to write
progress reports, and his writing initially reflects his limited
knowledge and education. he becomes more proficient in expressing
himself in writing. His vocabulary expands, and his reports become more
coherent and sophisticated.

4. Charlie's co-workers often make fun of him and play pranks on


him. After the operation, as Charlie's intelligence rapidly increases,
his co-workers become uncomfortable and resentful. They view him
as different and feel threatened by his newfound intelligence.
For example, they would send her out to get something and she would
forget where she was going and then when she came back no one was
there. when she did or said something, they would always laugh and
Charlie thought it was normal behavior between friends.
Miss Kinnian, Charlie's teacher and mentor, has a more complex
reaction. She is supportive and genuinely cares about Charlie's well-
being
5. Initially, the doctors believed that the surgery they performed on
Charlie and Algernon had successfully enhanced their intelligence. At first,
Algernon's intelligence did improve significantly, but then he began to
show signs of regression. His mental capacity decreases, and he returns to
his previous state. This regression in Algernon's intelligence is an
important warning signal for doctors, as it indicates that the effects of the
surgery are not permanent.
2. Text Analysis
1. I think that he is a pretty good narrator because he describes his life
and all the actions that happened to him quite clearly and specifically. he
describes his daily life and the emotions he experiences as well as he can.
that is, he gives the readers all the possibilities and leftovers that can help
readers better understand and delve into his life.
Of course, he cannot be trusted one hundred percent because we see this
story from only one perspective - his own.
2. At the beginning of his reports, Charlie and his progress are full of
spelling and grammatical errors. The dramatic irony is that we readers
know early on in the text that Charlie's intelligence will improve
significantly, while the characters around him, including his doctors, only
see his initial condition.
Algernon's death may also be a dramatic irony. we know that Charlie and
Algernon were in similar situations and positions, so when he died, we
can already guess that Charlie may have met the same fate
The very structure of the story, presented in the form of Charlie's diary
entries, adds to the dramatic irony, as readers can recognize the final
outcome of the narrative.

3. Before the Operation:

 Low Intelligence: Charlie has an IQ of 68, which classifies him as mentally


challenged. He struggles with reading, writing, and understanding complex
concepts.
 Childlike Innocence: Charlie possesses a childlike innocence and naivety. He trusts
people easily and is often taken advantage of.
 Eager to Please: He is eager to please others, particularly his teachers and the
scientists conducting the experiment. He wants to become smarter to be like
everyone else.
 Limited Self-Awareness: Charlie's self-awareness is limited. He doesn't fully
understand the complexities of human relationships, emotions, or societal norms.
 Isolated and Lonely: His low intelligence isolates him from others, leading to a
profound sense of loneliness and a desire for connection.

After the Operation:

 High Intelligence: Charlie's intelligence increases dramatically, surpassing the


average person. He becomes a genius with an IQ of over 185.
 Emotional Turmoil: Charlie's newfound intelligence brings emotional turmoil. He
becomes aware of the world's complexities and the harsh realities of human
relationships.
 Isolation: As he becomes more intelligent, Charlie isolates himself from others who
can't relate to his intellectual level. He struggles to find genuine connections.
 Arrogance and Hubris: With his intelligence comes arrogance and hubris. He looks
down on others, including those who once cared for him. He sees their flaws and
weaknesses.
 Loneliness: Despite his intelligence, Charlie remains lonely because he can't find
emotional fulfillment or meaningful relationships.
 Awareness of His Past: Charlie becomes acutely aware of his past and the painful
experiences he endured as a person with low intelligence. He confronts his feelings
of inadequacy and shame.
The changes in Charlie's personality and intelligence have both good and
bad consequences for him. On the one hand, his increased intelligence
allows him to achieve what he has always wanted, which is to live a quiet
life of reading books. However, the emotional toll is significant. He realizes
the cruelty of the world and his own isolation. He realizes how his kind of
friends treated him because when you are naive, you are easy to be
friends with.
4. I think the main idea of the story is that you have to appreciate what
you have today and not complain about this life. we should be happy
about simple things. for example, that we can read the same book, learn
to understand, have friends, communicate because for another person in
this case, Charlie doesn't have that.
3. Discussion
2. Real-world operations to change intelligence, if possible, would involve
significant risks. For example, altering a person's intelligence could have
unpredictable consequences for their emotional and psychological well-
being.
If every person had access to an intelligence enhancement procedure, it
could potentially have profound social consequences. Everything in
society could change. There could be unpredictable consequences. and all
people on the planet cannot be smart. everyone is smart and stupid in
their own way i think. you don't need to know everything one hundred
percent. for example, i don't know and don't like math and i don't need it.
i have strengths in other things.
3. Origin and Meaning of the Name Algernon: The name
Algernon is of English origin and has Old French roots. It is derived
from the Norman-French name "Augarde" or "Aguillon," which
means "with a mustache" or "whiskered." In this context, "with a
mustache" might symbolize maturity or a certain level of
sophistication. Maybe the rat was named as a symbol that
everything would be successful. that it would become a sign of luck
in this experiment.
Naming a mouse, a creature of lower intelligence, with a
sophisticated and somewhat aristocratic name like Algernon creates
a sense of irony and contrast.
4.
5. At the beginning of the novel, Charlie is compared to Adam in the
Garden of Eden before he ate from the tree of knowledge. Like Adam,
Charlie begins the story in a state of naivety and simple living. He lacks
knowledge and understanding and does not realize the complexities of
the world around him. As Charlie's intellect develops, he undergoes a
transformation reminiscent of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden
of Eden.
7. The use of flowers in this context hints at funeral or memorial
symbolism. When you read the text at the beginning, I thought that
flowers symbolized success, joy and a happy future, but when I learned
that it was getting worse, it changed my mind.

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