Desire and Discord in Flowers

Desire and Discord in Flowers for Algernon

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes peels back the complicated layers involved with learning methods, knowledge, and basic human behavioral issues stemming from inferiority and superiority. From Charlie's unique perspective, Keyes reveals the impediments associated with something we like to think of as a decent and helpful thing: knowledge. However, Charlie's transition from being mentally retarded to becoming a person with superior intellect uncovers aspects of the human condition that operate on deep levels and cannot be hammered out with a few sessions of psychotherapy. What Charlie discovers is a darkness associated with his intelligence, one weighing significantly more than that of mental retardation. Themes Keyes explores include reverence for all human beings (regardless of intelligence), the importance of interaction with others for stimulation and growth, and the hazard associated with the intense desire for knowledge. These themes are coupled with agonizing lessons as we witness Charlie deteriorate but they are essential if we are to extract from life exactly what Charlie wanted. The overall theme expounds upon how humankind hinges on human kindness as it painstakingly expresses how to best live with one another. Knowledge and intelligence enter into the equation almost as impediments rather than any form of assistance. Flowers for Algernon captures the desire for and the discord associated with knowledge.

One of the most compelling themes in the novel revolves around the notion of respect for all human beings. Charlie represents all the mentally handicapped individuals. Keyes situates him in circumstances that could take place almost in any city in the world. Others mistreat him or simply treat him as less of a human being because he is not as intelligent as most (or at least as intelligent as those who mistreat). Charlie experiences cruelty at work and condescending attitudes from a variety of people in various places because he appears, behaves and thinks differently. Keyes creates a fascinating character study in Charlie because we see his development occurring right before our eyes. We witness this transformation as Charlie does and this proves to be an enlightening experience because we understand the journey as Charlie takes the steps. Keyes presents us with a character that exposes the fabric of the human condition from two extreme perspectives and, in doing so, reveals the complications woven into that fabric. He reveals not just the conditions we find in this particular story with the entire world. The mentally retarded are mistreated because they are different and because it is painless to mistreat them. Charlie, as he emerges from his former state, comprehends this condition of the world and discovers how problematic it becomes for humans who make proclamations in favor of global human rights. His discoveries introduce him to arrogance associated with certain levels of intelligence. This is especially true when Charlie discovers himself experiencing condescending thoughts about others. He also discovers how effortless it can be to treat others with disdain. His mind and actions stop only when he experiences the incident with the retarded busboy at the diner. This scene transports Charlie back to a world that makes more sense to him and this is world ridicules and laughs at the retarded. These conflicting incidents prove to be significant to the novel because they provide a blueprint of basic human behaviors. Charlie's initial reaction to the scene in the diner is feeling "sick inside" (198) because he realizes others are "laughing at him because he was retarded" (198). Unfortunately, he admits to laughing with the others at first then suddenly becoming "furious at myself and all those who were smirking at him" (198). Charlie wants to "smash their laughing faces" (198) because he is so angry. This pivotal moment forces Charlie to face undeniable truths about mankind. One truth is that humankind can descend too easily into bad behavior. Charlie laughs at the goofy busboy and immediately becomes enraged at how the scene develops. His laughter turns to shame and in that moment, he declares the busboy is a human being that deserves some form of respect. From this moment on, Charlie is aware of more than himself. When he visits Warren State Home, he experiences trepidation among the patients and unsuccessfully attempts to reconcile it. This struggle is real because it is coming from someone who should know better. Through Charlie, Keyes demonstrates how difficult it is to respect those who appear to be inferior in one way or another.

One of the themes is the danger of the thirst for knowledge. It is human to want more from life and it is also human to think that we know what is best for us and what will improve our lives. Yet, every day we make mistakes that can take us down a path to nothing but heartache. Because we are so determined that we know what is best for us, we sometimes linger too long on that dark path when instinctively we know we should have turned away long ago. With Flowers for Algernon, the challenge is accepting that the desire to solve the problem is replaced by the simple desire for more. Charlie comes to realize this at the peak of his intelligence. He likes being smarter but it does not make him any happier. He enjoys his newfound abilities but they do not improve his life in ways he thought they might. His journey stops short of what really makes the world go around and that is relationships and connecting with others.

Subsequent to this scene, Charlie becomes cognizant of the fact that there is something far more superior going on around him. He understands that he is a minor element of something bigger and he must put an end to worrying about himself and "give something of myself to others" (200). Keyes brings awareness to the problem of misunderstanding the mentally retarded by having Charlie come to see that he can help others and, because of his special circumstances, he can help countless mentally retarded people across the world. He wants to apply the knowledge he has to helping others and this is a key moment in self-awareness and understanding. Charlie learns "intelligence alone doesn't mean a damned thing. Here in your university, intelligence, education, knowledge have all become idols. But I know now there's one thing you've all overlooked: intelligence and education that hasn't been tempered by human affection isn't worth a damn. . . Intelligence without the ability to give and receive affection leads to mental and moral breakdown" (249). Charlie realizes he had more friends when he was retarded than he did when he was not and was could not be right. This realization serves as an impetus for Charlie in that he wants to discover the flaw in the experiment before his intelligences begins to wane. The desire does not make the task any easier and Charlie must realize that the simple knowledge of what he knows is enough. He knows what makes life important and he communicates these things to the world. He must find peace in that because it will be his only contribution to the world.