There are many examples of both internal and external conflict in Daniel Keyes's "Flowers for Algernon," but I will focus on the struggle between Charlie Gordon and his intelligence, which is the central conflict in the story.
Charlie has special needs and longs to be smarter. The framework for "Flowers for Algernon" is a series of progress reports written by Charlie, who undergoes an experimental surgery to increase his intelligence. Throughout the course of the story, we see a drastic change in his reports. Prior to the surgery, his spelling, grammar, punctuation, and understanding of his surroundings and the world are limited. After the surgery, we see gradual improvements in his spelling, grammar, and punctuation, as well as a heightened sense of awareness and a clearer understanding of the world and the people in it.
Charlie becomes increasingly more intelligent after his operation. Although his goal is realized, this intelligence presents a new set of conflicts, which complicate his...
(The entire section contains 6 answers and 1286 words.)
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