Flowers for Algernon is a genuine example of how literature could be used effectively to convey social issues. A significant range of social aspects, like discussions of emotions of people in society with a mental disability, the ways their difference is perceived by others and risks involved in applying scientific technology were shown by Daniel Keyes. A number of techniques like the characterisations, point of view, use of language, imagery and tone accomplished the effectiveness of social issues portrayed in Flowers for Algernon.

Characterisations were effective in bringing out the theme of emotions of people with a disability in Flowers for Algernon. The main character, Charlie Gordon, was at first, a thirty-seven year old man with an IQ of sixty-eight. He was innocent, slow, yet motivated to become intelligent, “please let me try agen, I’m not so fast sometimes” (Mar 6-p132). By comparing the intelligence of a disabled person of character traits mentioned above and Algernon, a mouse who was Charlie’s initial competitor, Daniel Keyes effectively created an image of t

The language, tone and imagery also effectively portrayed the social issue of perception of difference. The language and tone, before Charlie’s surgery, were cynical and sarcastic, which clearly pointed out their extent of compassion towards Charlie. “I ain’t laughed so much since we sent him off for the newspaper that night at Muggsys’s and ditched him.” (Apr 20-p139)

The issues of risks involved in applying scientific technology, was reflected through the characterisations of Flowers for Algernon. Charlie’s process of transformation from a disabled person to a genius, and then the deterioration that followed, was shown within a very small time frame. Just two months after the operation, his intellect level that overtook the professors Strauss’ and Nemur’s, “Dr. Strauss told me I was giving Dr. Nemur an inferiority complex” (May 15-p145) and his inability to communicate, “no matter what I try to discuss with her, I am unable to communicate” (May 18-p145), revealed Charlie’s lateral mind that excelled anyone’s around him. This fast course of change in the character strengthened the effectiveness of the issue of risks involved in applying scientific technology. The physical state of Charlie was also effective in portraying the risks involving scientific technology, because they helped highlight his feelings through symptoms. “I have already begun to notice signs of emotional instability and forgetfulness, the first symptoms of the burnout” (June 5-p149) and “deterioration progressing” (June 10- p149). Having Charlie’s character go through so many changes in such a small time intensified everything that took place during the process of the experiment and therefore, portrayed scientific technology and the risks involved in applying it effectively in Flowers for Algernon.

The effectiveness of the social issue of risks involved in applying scientific technology was also contributed by the use of first person point of view in Flowers for Algernon. Charlie’s direct descriptions of his physical and psychological state formed vivid pictures of what harm he felt within him both physically and psychologically. “This intelligence has driven a wedge between me and all the people I once knew and loved. Before, they laughed at me and despised me for my ignorance; now, they hate me for my knowledge and understanding” (Apr 30-p144), “It’s so cruelly logical. I learned so much and so fast. Now my mind is deteriorating rapidly. I won’t let it happen. I’ll fight it” (June 21- p150). So, the use of first person point of view effectively portrayed the risks involved in applying scientific technology, as the expressions were meaningful and emphasised in detail the risks Charlie went through during the scientific process of his increased intelligence.

The social issue of risks involved in applying scientific technology was also underlined by the use of language, tone and imagery. “the hypothesis here proven may be descri

Some topics in this essay:
Flowers Algernon, Daniel Keyes, Algernon Charlie’s, Daniel Keyes’, Dr Nemur, Amos Borg, Fanny Girden, Charlie Gordon, Gordon’ I’m, Fifth Concerto, flowers algernon, scientific technology, emotions people, involved applying, risks involved, risks involved applying, daniel keyes, involved applying scientific, applying scientific technology, applying scientific, social issues, social issue, perception difference, issue perception difference, emotions people society,