In this essay, I will discuss several important aspects of the novel, "Flowers for Algernon," by providing facts and opinions highlighted in the novel as well as those of other learned people. The first question concerns Algernon and how he acts as an alter ego for Charlie Gordon. In the second question I shall discuss the ethical issues which the intelligence-increasing experiment, that takes place the above mentioned novel, faces by voicing the opinion of others as well as providing my own. The third and final question relates to how the experimental procedure affected Charlie and how the operation improved his intelligence, how it affected his relationship with other people as well as his personality.
From the first time Charlie is introduced to Algernon, he feels a sense of connection with the small white mouse, though it is only after his operation that he understands the nature of this connection. Charlie and Algernon are both alike in the sense that they are both one of a kind; Algernon is the first experiment subject that has undergone the procedure for increased intelligence, and Charlie is the first human the procedure is tested on; thusly Algernon can be seen as a sort of precursor that will reveal Charlie's fate. After the operation, with his increased intelligence and understanding of the world, Charlie believes that even though Algernon is only a lab animal, he still deserves some type of respect and that making Algernon complete a maze to get something to eat, is not acceptable; "I dont think its right to make you pass a test to eat." (Flowers for Algernon) and this specific part of the novel is where Charlie decides to be the person who will show Algernon the respect he deserves by becoming his friend, "I think I'll be friends with Algernon" (Flowers for Algernon). Algernon was the first living thing Charlie was truly able to relate to, and this caused their bond to grow deep.
