When Charlie wakes up from his surgery in Flowers for Algernon, he lands in a messy world with some very complicated people. Sure everyone wants to help him… but you better believe they all have agendas. Strauss and Nemur think ca-ching every time Charlie walks through the door, and even Alice wouldn't mind a little love on the side. In other words, Charlie's in a giant game of emotional Jenga, and the whole thing is likely to collapse in no time. And let's not forget good boy Charlie's manipulative tricks: even though he has a good heart, he occasionally lies to get what he wants.
Questions About Manipulation
- Do Strauss and Nemur manipulate Charlie into going through with the surgery? Does it matter that Charlie can't legally consent to the surgery?
- Why does Charlie stop short of manipulating Alice into sex?
- Does Charlie learn how to manipulate others? Or does he prefer to be honest about his intentions?
Chew on This
Although Charlie tries to be ethical, he can't help manipulating Alice and Fay into romantic relationships.
Charlie learns how to manipulate others by observing Nemur and Strauss.