Essay on "Desire and Discord in Flowers for Algernon"
Essay 5 pages (1577 words) Sources: 1
[EXCERPT] . . . .
Desire and Discord in Flowers for AlgernonFlowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes peels back the complicated layers involved with learning methods, knowledge, and basic human behavioral issues stemming from inferiority and superiority. From Charlie's unique perspective, Keyes reveals the impediments associated with something we like to think of as a decent and helpful thing: knowledge. However, Charlie's transition from being mentally retarded to becoming a person with superior intellect uncovers aspects of the human condition that operate on deep levels and cannot be hammered out with a few sessions of psychotherapy. What Charlie discovers is a darkness associated with his intelligence, one weighing significantly more than that of mental retardation. Themes Keyes explores include reverence for all human beings (regardless of intelligence), the importance of interaction with others for stimulation and growth, and the hazard associated with the intense desire for knowledge. These themes are coupled with agonizing lessons as we witness Charlie deteriorate but they are essential if we are to extract from life exactly what Charlie wanted. The overall theme expounds upon how humankind hinges on human kindness as it painstakingly expresses how to best live with one another. Knowledge and intelligence enter into the equation almost as impediments rather than any form of assistance. Flowers for Algernon captures the desire for and the discord associated with knowledge.
One of the most compelling themes in the novel revolves around the notion of respect for all human beings. Charlie represents all the mentally handicapped individuals. Keyes situates him in circumstances that could take
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One of the themes is the danger of the thirst for knowledge. It is human to want more from life and it is also human to think that we know what is best for us and what will improve our lives. Yet, every day we make mistakes that can take us down a path to nothing but heartache. Because we are so determined that we know what is best for us, we sometimes linger too long on that dark path when instinctively we know we should have turned away long ago. With Flowers for Algernon, the challenge is accepting that the desire to solve the problem is replaced by the simple desire for more. Charlie comes to realize this at the peak of his intelligence. He likes being smarter but it does not make him any happier. He enjoys his newfound abilities but they do not improve his life in ways he thought they might. His journey stops short of what really makes the world go around and that is relationships and connecting with others.
Subsequent to this scene, Charlie becomes cognizant of the fact that there is something far more superior going on around him. He understands that he is a minor element of something bigger and he must put an end to worrying about himself and "give something of myself to others" (200). Keyes brings awareness to the problem of misunderstanding the mentally retarded by having Charlie come to see that he can help others and, because of his special circumstances, he can help countless mentally retarded people across the world. He wants to apply the knowledge he has to helping others and this is a key moment in self-awareness and understanding. Charlie learns "intelligence alone doesn't mean a damned thing. Here in your university, intelligence, education, knowledge have all become idols. But I know now there's one thing you've all overlooked: intelligence and education that hasn't been tempered by human affection isn't worth a damn. . . Intelligence without the ability to give and receive affection leads to mental and moral breakdown" (249). Charlie realizes he had more friends when he was retarded than he did when he was not and was could not be right. This realization serves as an impetus for Charlie in that he wants to discover the flaw in the experiment before his intelligences begins to wane. The desire does not make the task any easier and Charlie must realize that the simple knowledge of what he knows is enough. He knows what makes life important and he communicates these things to the world. He must find peace in that because it will be his only contribution to the world.
The novel also delves into the consequences of knowledge. As an intelligent man, Charlie perceived that Nemur and Strauss were "frauds" (190) that were nothing more than "ordinary men working blindly, pretending to be able to bring light into the darkness" (190). He understands how they and everyone else lies and, as a result, "no one I know is what he appears to be" (190). People with even the simplest understanding of the world know the importance of human kindness. Charlie, in his genius, could not process everything all at once, but he knew to be offended at arrogance. He also knew isolation was not pernickety in regard to one's intelligence. He… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Desire and Discord in Flowers for Algernon" Assignment:
This should be an EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY based on the book, Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes.
While reading Flowers for Algernon, think especially about theme.
Develop a thesis which explains what you believe to be the theme of the novel.
Consider the question: what is the author*****s message? Collect evidence within the novel to support the analysis.
Use the strategies and tools for effective analysis writing.
6 paragraphs.
Essay should demonstrate ability to collect and analyze evidence to support thesis.
Quote and paraphrase properly.
Cite appropriately- MLA 7 work cited entry.
Free from mechanical and structural errors.
How to Reference "Desire and Discord in Flowers for Algernon" Essay in a Bibliography
“Desire and Discord in Flowers for Algernon.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2010, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/desire-discord-flowers/6358633. Accessed 5 Oct 2024.
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