| First edition cover | |
|---|---|
| Author | Daniel Keyes |
| Pages | 311 (novel) |
| ISBN | 0-15-131510-8 |
| OCLC | 232370 |
How many pages is Flowers for Algernon?
336Product DetailsISBN-13:9780156030304Pages:336Sales rank:378Product dimensions:5.40(w) x 7.76(h) x 0.91(d)Lexile:910L (what's this?)3 more rows
How long does it take to read Flowers for Algernon?
The average reader will spend 3 hours and 44 minutes reading this book at 250 WPM (words per minute).
Why did they ban Flowers for Algernon?
-- The novel 'Flowers for Algernon' has been banned by school officials who say the book contains explicit sex scenes and offensive words. 'The book described the sex act in explicit four-letter terms.
Is Flower of Algernon a true story?
No, Flowers for Algernon is not based on a true story. Although it is said the Daniele Keyes borrowed or was inspired by some aspects of his life,...
How long does it take to read Flowers for Algernon short story?
The average reader, reading at a speed of 300 WPM, would take 4 hours and 38 minutes to read Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.
What grade level is Flowers for Algernon?
Flowers for AlgernonInterest LevelReading LevelWord CountGrades 9 - 12Grades 4 - 1282873Sep 1, 2011
Is Flowers for Algernon a book or short story?
Flowers for AlgernonFirst edition coverAuthorDaniel KeyesGenreScience fictionPublisherHarcourt, Brace & WorldPublication dateApril 1959 (short story) March 1966 (novel)6 more rows
Is Flowers for Algernon appropriate?
The book is written in simple sentences suitable to both children and adults. A retarded man is given an operation to increase his intelligence. Algernon, a mouse, is given the same operation.
Is Flowers for Algernon a children's book?
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes - review | Children's books | The Guardian.
When was Flowers for Algernon banned?
In 1981, this book was banned from an AK high school because it described the sex act in explicit four-letter terms.
What does Algernon symbolize?
For the reader, Algernon symbolizes fate, reality, and death. Charlie represents change, enlightenment, and the human experience. He is the process of learning, growing, reflecting, and accepting.
How old is Charlie Gordon?
32-year-oldCharlie is a 32-year-old man with an I.Q. of 68, who has struggled his whole life toward the goal of "being smart." This goal is actually his mother's obsession, and when she realizes the futility of it, she threatens to kill him.
Strain Flavor
When smoked or converted into an edible form, the flavor of the Flowers For Algernon strain is best described as Diesel, Mint, and Strawberry.
How to Breed Flowers For Algernon Seeds
Below you can find a list of strains that are parents and predecessors which led to the medicinal effects and properties of the Flowers For Algernon cannabis strain.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel, a sativa-dominant strain has the fastest and most exhilarati..
When does Algernon die?
Algernon dies on September 15. Charlie buries him in the backyard and puts wildflowers on his grave. While still confident in his abilities, Charlie borrows Burt's car and goes to see his mother, Rose. He needs to show her that she can be proud of him, that he is finally "smart.".
What does Charlie realize about Algernon?
Charlie realizes that he has to fight for his newfound intelligence for as long as he can. Algernon's death forces Charlie to make one final confrontation. He returns home to face his mother and his past. The mother who meets him sees both Charlies.
Summary
Read our full plot summary and analysis of "Flowers for Algernon," chapter by chapter break-downs, and more.
Characters
See a complete list of the characters in "Flowers for Algernon" and in-depth analyses of Charlie Gordon, Alice Kinnian, Professor Nemur, and Rose Gordon.
Literary Devices
Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in "Flowers for Algernon," from the major themes to motifs and more.
Quotes
Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of "Flowers for Algernon" by reading these key quotes.
Quick Quizzes
Test your knowledge of "Flowers for Algernon" with quizzes about every section, major characters, themes, symbols, and more.
Essays
Get ready to ace your "Flowers for Algernon" paper with our suggested essay topics and more.
Further Study
Go further in your study of "Flowers for Algernon" with background information and more.
Overview
Flowers for Algernon is a short story by American author Daniel Keyes, later expanded by him into a novel and subsequently adapted for film and other media. The short story, written in 1958 and first published in the April 1959 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1960. The novel was published in 1966 and was joint winne…
Background
The ideas for Flowers for Algernon developed over 14 years and were inspired by events in Keyes's life, starting in 1945 with Keyes's conflict with his parents, who were pushing him through a pre-medical education despite his desire to pursue a writing career. Keyes felt that his education was driving a wedge between himself and his parents, and this led him to wonder what would happen if it were possible to increase a person's intelligence.
Publication history
The short story "Flowers for Algernon" was first published as the lead story in the April 1959 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. It was later reprinted in The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction, 9th series (1960), the Fifth Annual of the Year's Best Science Fiction (1960), Best Articles and Stories (1961), Literary Cavalcade (1961), The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume One, 1929–1964 (1970), and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction: A 30-Year Retrospectiv…
Synopsis
The short story and the novel share many similar plot points, but the novel expands significantly on Charlie's developing emotional state as well as his intelligence, his memories of childhood, and the relationship with his family. Both are presented as a series of journal entries ("progress reports") written by the protagonist, Charlie Gordon. The style, grammar, spelling, and punctuation of these reports reflect changes in his mental and emotional growth.
Style
Both the novel and the short story are written in an epistolary style collecting together Charlie's personal "progress reports" from a few days before the operation until his final regression. Initially, the reports are filled with spelling errors and awkwardly constructed sentences. Following the operation, however, the reports begin to show marked improvements in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and diction, indicating a rise in his intelligence. Charlie's regression is conveyed by t…
Themes
Important themes in Flowers for Algernon include the treatment of the mentally disabled, the impact on happiness of the conflict between intellect and emotion, and how events in the past can influence a person later in life. Algernon is an example of a story that incorporates the science-fiction theme of uplift.
Reception
Algis Budrys of Galaxy Science Fiction praised Flowers for Algernon's realistic depiction of people as "rounded characters". Stating in August 1966 that Keyes had published little fiction and whether he would publish more was unknown, he concluded "If this is a beginning, then what a beginning it is, and if it is the high point in a very short career, then what a career". In February 1967 Budrys named the book the best novel of the year.
Adaptations
Flowers for Algernon has been adapted many times for different media including stage, screen, and radio. These adaptations include:
• A 1961 episode of the television drama The United States Steel Hour, "The Two Worlds of Charlie Gordon", starring Cliff Robertson.
• A 1968 film, Charly, also starring Cliff Robertson, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.