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Flowers for Algernon

by Daniel Keyes

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Student Question

When in Flowers for Algernon do we realize Charlie's intelligence isn't permanent?

Quick answer:

We realize Charlie's intelligence isn't permanent during Dr. Nemur's presentation in "Progress Report 13." Charlie notices that Nemur did not account for the rapid rise in his intelligence, suggesting the potential for regression to even lower IQ levels. This realization is compounded by observing Algernon's aggressive behavior and regression, foreshadowing Charlie's own fate. Charlie becomes so disturbed by this that he releases Algernon and takes him to New York.

Expert Answers

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*I just had this thought--If you are reading this in high school, you may be reading an abridged version of the story from your literature book-- in which case, you may not have the scene with Dr. Nemur's presentation from "Progress Report 13."   Check and see if you have the full version of Keye's story or not--because it will make a difference for your answer.  

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Charlie, and the reader as well, both begin to have an inkling that his intelligence may not be permanent as he listens to Dr. Nemur's presentation in "Progress Report 13."  Charlie even realizes that Nemur did not take into account his rapid rise in intelligence, and that now, Charlie may even regress into a lower IQ than before the experiment.  Charlie becomes so upset that he releases Algernon from his cage, and then takes the mouse with him to New York.  

Keyes also reinforces his foreshadowing as Charlie begins to take note of Algernon's agressive tendencies.  Algernon's reversion is a huge warning sign that the same fate may be in store for Charlie.  

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