Discussion Topic
Charlie Gordon's Test Failure and Its Implications in "Flowers for Algernon"
Summary:
In "Flowers for Algernon," Charlie Gordon's first test, a Rorschach inkblot test, reveals his literal thinking and low IQ. Unable to perceive anything beyond spilled ink, Charlie's frustration highlights his cognitive limitations and innocence. His inability to fabricate stories in a subsequent test underscores his honesty and naivety, as he equates storytelling with lying. Despite failing these tests, Charlie's disappointment in losing to a mouse in a maze test indicates a competitive streak.
What was the first test Charlie took in Flowers for Algernon and why did he think he failed?
The first test Charlie took was a Rorschach Test - Charlie refers to it as a "raw shok test" - a psychological test in which the subject is shown an inkblot and asked what he or she sees in it. The subject's answer is analyzed using scientific methods; it is believed that the nature of the answer provides insight into the workings of the subject's mind. Charlie is frustrated when he takes the test, because he is unable to see anything in the inkblots beyond the ink on the paper. He knows that he is expected to see more, but is capable of doing so. He senses that he has not been able to do what the examiner is asking, and so believes he has done poorly on the test.
Because of his mental challenges, Charlie sees things very literally; it is beyond his capabilities to look at things more deeply than...
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at that level. When Charlie is presented with the inkblot, he sees only what is right there before his eyes, "spild ink." He tells the examiner honestly that he "saw ink spild on a wite card." The examiner agrees, and Charlie, who seeks the approval of others like a child, is satisfied. To his consternation, however, the examiner presses on, telling Charlie that "there was picturs there." Though he tries and tries, Charlie sees no pictures, and when instructed to "imagen" what is there, he cannot ("progris riport 1-martch 4).
What does Charlie's test failure reveal about his personality and abilities in "Flowers for Algernon"?
Charlie's failure to understand the tests he is given in "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes reveals a couple of things about his abilities and his personality. First of all, it shows that his IQ is pretty low because he has a difficult time grasping simple concepts. Even after the inkblot test (Rorschach) is explained to him, he still does not understand.
"He said pepul see things in the ink. I said show me where. He said think. I told him I think a inkblot but that wasnt rite eather. He said what does it remind you--pretend somthing. I closd my eyes for a long time to pretend. I told him I pretned a fowntan pen with ink leeking all over a table cloth" (Keyes 2).
Charlie's low intelligence prohibits him from understanding what is being asked of him in identifying pictures within the inkblots.
The second set of tests Charlie is given asks him to make up stories about the pictures he sees. This time, we learn more about Charlie's personality because he tells the test proctor he cannot make up stories. When asked why, he says that making up stories is the same thing as lying. Charlie says he always gets caught when he tells a lie, so he won't do it.
"I told her how can you tell storys about pepul you never met. I said why shud I make up lies. I never tell lies any more becaus I always get caut" (Keyes 3).
Charlie is honest and naive. When he takes the final test, finding his way through a paper maze while Algernon, the mouse, runs the same physical maze, Charlie is disappointed in himself when Algernon wins ten times in a row. This shows us that there must also be at least a little competitiveness in Charlie.