Flowers For Algernon Analysis

Understanding yourself entails the exploration of the dark side of true intelligence.

Flowers for Algernon, written and published by Daniel Keyes. We follow the progress reports of Charlie Gordon on the path to discover what true intelligence means for himself. Phenomenon tells a story about a small town man George Malley who is suddenly changing in a variety of different ways that not even George could understand why. Charlie Gordon along with George Malley experienced a hidden dark side to intelligence, that is linked to emotional quotient being overlooked in individuals. Emotional quotient is understanding emotions of others and oneself, furthermore individuals with high intelligence who overlook emotional quotient can majorly affect their own identity. When intelligence is given priority over emotional quotient it is problematic for an individual's identity.

Having a high intelligence can be helpful in a variety of situations except those that require a high E.Q. In Charlie Gordon's situation, we see him before the operation with average EQ, after the operation, Charlie lowered in EQ, in return he raised in IQ. "But I've learned that intelligence alone doesn't mean a damned thing"(Keyes, 249). Charlie who has unimaginable intelligence struggles with issues that old Charlie can solve. "I was incapable of making friends or thinking of other people and their problems."(Keyes, 248). Intelligence while always seen as a positive trait is also a cage to some minds. Unlike Charlie Gordon, George Malley is capable of making strong emotional connections due to his understanding of others emotions. Charlie Gordon kicked his girlfriend, Alice out when he didn't understand her emotions of love for him, George, on the other hand, spent his last time alive with those who cared for him instead of isolating