Book Notes, Summary and Review: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

Danial Keye's Flowers For Algernon is a science-fiction short story which details how Charlie Gordon, a floor sweeper, changes over time after an experiment in the enhancement of cognitive intelligence turns him smarter. At the same time, Algernon, a lab rat who went through a similar experimental transformation, begins to deteriorate in health and eventually dies.

Cognitive versus emotional intelligence

Arguably, the most noticeable thematic idea in the book is: the notion that mankind possesses different kinds of intelligences, all of which are instrumental in shaping who we are as individuals.

Every type of intelligence needs to be developed in relation, and simultaneously, with one another. In an exchange between Alice and Charlie, Alice points out this idea, telling Charlie that:

In some ways, you're so advanced, and yet when it comes to making a decision, you're still a child.

Furthermore, intelligence doesn't preclude a poor quality of life. Intelligence that isn't tempered by human affection is worthless. As Charlie come to realize later:

Intelligence is one of the greatest human gifts. But all too often a search for knowledge drives out the search for love... Intelligence without the ability to give and receive affection leads to mental and moral breakdown, to neurosis, and possibly even psychosis. And I say that the mind absorbed in and involved in itself as a self-centered end, to the exclusion of human relationships, can only lead to violence and pain.

The pursuit of knowledge and its consequences

The more intelligent you become the more problems you'll have. This was another idea which Keyes conveyed in his book. Keyes even went on to quote Plato's Allegory of the Cave, claiming that:

... the men of the cave would say of him that up he went and down he came without his eyes.

In doing so, Keyes expressed how one's pursuit of knowledge will ultimately lead to sorrow and personal loss. Knowledge liberates us, but at the same time exposes us to the fallacies and ignorance of contemporary society. As Charlie commented after making some friends at the Campus Bowl:

Now I understand one of the important reasons for going to college and getting an education is to learn that the things you've believed in all your life aren't true, and that nothing is what it appears to be.

The more we learn, the more we'll realize how much we don't know. Our circle of knowledge may expand, but so does the boundary of ignorance surrounding it.

On desire

Lastly, Keyes discusses how desire is an intrinsic and universal part of the human psyche.

As demonstrated in the book, desire can manifests itself in many ways: intellectually, biologically, emotionally or even socially. Before, Charlie desired to be smarter (intellectual). Afterwards, he began exploring his sexuality (biological and emotional) and was trying to figure out how he could build closer relationships with others (social).

Not only could desire be found in Charlie, it was also present in other characters like Dr. Nemur who, though was "no Freud or Jung or Watson", had a strong desire to ameliorate his social standing, and be recognized for his professional work.

Concluding message

Ultimately, Flowers For Algernon effectively articulates the notion that: everyone wants, as well as needs on a biological level, to be loved. Whether it be for our intellectual prowess or social charm, our desire to be loved by others is something we cannot escape.

More importantly, Keyes demonstrates, time after time again in the book, that the worth of a man is not defined by how smart he is, but rather by his amiableness and love towards others. "Love triumphs everything" is essentially what Keyes tries to communicate to us the readers throughout the book, that some of the most beautiful things in life cannot be quantitatively measured through tests or experiments.

All of us want to be loved, but at the same time we ought to keep in mind that love is a symbiotic force — we can only be loved, if we learn to love others. To love is to be loved.