Flowers For Algernon Syntax

The Importance of Syntax in Flowers for Algernon

Flowers for Algernon is not a normal book. Not normal meaning it does not use proper grammar and spelling for a large portion of the book. The novel follows the story of a mentally handicapped 32-year-old man named Charlie. The following paragraphs will discuss Charlie’s ‘transformation,’ how his varying writing displays his astuteness, and how the incorrect spelling and syntax are key aspects in the structure and understanding of the book. The book opens with Charlie discussing his life and how he was instructed by Dr. Strauss to keep a record of what happens to him. The story is also written in journal entries. An experimental procedure is conducted on Charlie in hopes to make him smarter. Over the course of time it works and Charlie’s grammar and ability to write gradually increase. Charlie’s IQ and overall intelligence eventually surpasses that of the scientists he worked alongside, however, Algernon’s intellect slowly fades. This complicates things for Charlie. “Dr Strauss says I shoud rite down what I think and remembir and evrey thing that happins to me from now on.” This first quote exemplifies Charlie’s low intellect. He has poor spelling and lacks proper punctuation. If not for this, the reader would most likely neglect the idea of

I dint even know I beet him until Bert Selden told me.” In the second quote, Charlie’s spelling, as well as what he accomplishes, shows he is becoming smarter. Charlie also acknowledges capitalization in proper nouns, as well as punctuation. He hasn’t reached the peak of his intelligence as of yet, but the complete results of the operation have not set in yet. This quote also explains a turning point in Charlie’s life and the story. He beat Algernon in the maze test. Algernon has also had operation performed on him, but Algernon still beat Charlie prior to the operation. This shows Charlie’s low intellect and Algernon’s advanced intellect due to the