Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Might as well dive right into the important stuff: is it ethical to mess with the brain yo' momma gave you? Should humans set limits to what science can achieve if the results could potentially be harmful?
- How far have we come in terms of rights for persons with cognitive and intellectual disabilities since Flowers for Algernon was published? What barriers do we still need to overcome?
- Charlie's writing voice changes dramatically over the course of Flowers for Algernon. What are the differences between Charlie's observations before the surgery and after the surgery?
- Charlie is terrified of being returned to the Warren State Home and Training Center. Why does he return of his own accord to see what goes on there?
- What ethical obligations, if any, does his family have toward Charlie? How about his friends?
- Witnessing Algernon's decline gives Charlie newfound perspective on his intelligence. What does Algernon represent? Why does Charlie grow to care deeply for Algernon?
- How does Charlie relate to women before and after the surgery?
- Why is Charlie resentful toward the researchers? How do you view his resentment in light of the ongoing disability rights movement?