Flowers for Algernon Group

Question:

lil-mama12
lil-mama12
Student
Doctorate

What is the conflict in Flowers for Algernon?

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Posted by lil-mama12 on Wednesday September 23, 2009 at 3:59 PM and tagged with conflict.

Answers:

  1. dalepowell1962
    dalepowell1962 Teacher
    College - Freshman

    eNotes Editor

    In answering this question, it is important to note that "Flowers for Algernon" started as a short story and was later turned into a novel.  naturally, the subsequent novel had more complex conflicts than the short story.

    However, the central conflict in both versions of the story center on Charlie's changed life as his intelligence grows, both in his interaction with his co-workers and his growing love for his teacher.  Furthermore, the state of degeneration that his mental growth has on Algernon is a horrible conflict that goes on within Charlie.  Ultimately, Charlie's changing his mind is insufficient to save Algernon's life.

     

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    Posted by dalepowell1962 on Wednesday September 23, 2009 at 4:12 PM


  2. brandih

    eNotes Editor

    Please see the link below for more answers.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/flowers-algernon/q-and-a/what-charl...
    http://www.enotes.com/flowers-algernon/q-and-a/what-one-i...
    http://www.enotes.com/flowers-algernon/q-and-a/what-was-o...

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    Posted by brandih on Thursday September 24, 2009 at 3:36 PM