The surgery in "Flowers for Algernon" initially boosts Charlie's happiness and intellect but ultimately leads to emotional distress and strained family relationships. The trade-offs he faces include the loss of simple contentment, increased awareness of past traumas, and the eventual decline of his mental faculties, which leaves him worse off than before the surgery.

In "Flowers for Algernon," Charlie Gordon's self-perception and attitude undergo significant changes following an experimental operation to increase his intelligence. Initially naive and childlike, he idolizes those around him and is unaware of being mocked by his so-called friends. As his intelligence grows, he becomes more self-aware, recognizing the exploitation by scientists and the ridicule from peers. Despite gaining intellectual capacity, Charlie's emotional sensitivity diminishes, leading to loneliness and disillusionment. Ultimately, he experiences anger and despair as he anticipates losing his newfound intelligence.

Opinions on whether Charlie Gordon should have undergone the operation in Flowers for Algernon are divided. Some argue that the operation gave Charlie a chance to live a fuller life, experiencing intellectual and emotional growth despite the eventual decline. Others believe the operation was unjustifiable, as it led to greater unhappiness and tragedy, highlighting the ethical concerns of such procedures.

Charlie and Algernon share a parallel journey of intelligence enhancement and subsequent decline. Both undergo experimental surgery to increase their intelligence, initially showing dramatic improvement. However, as Algernon's cognitive abilities deteriorate, Charlie realizes he will face the same fate. Their experiences highlight the temporary nature of artificially induced intelligence and the emotional and psychological consequences of such a transformation.

After the operation in "Flowers for Algernon," Charlie's feelings toward Algernon and the doctors change significantly. Initially, he admires and trusts them, but as his intelligence grows, he becomes critical and resentful. He realizes that the doctors see him more as a test subject than a human being, and he feels a deepening kinship with Algernon, the mouse who underwent the same experiment.

The experiment was beneficial for Charlie as it allowed him to experience life with normal and then superior intelligence, enabling him to engage in intelligent conversations and feel attraction, particularly towards Miss Kinnian. However, the negative aspect was his regression, which was emotionally challenging. He had to cope with the frustration and heartbreak of losing the intelligence he once gained, making the overall experience bittersweet.

In "Flowers for Algernon," Charlie realizes at a work party that his supposed friends, Frank and Joe, have been ridiculing him rather than befriending him. This awareness comes as his intelligence increases, revealing their true motivations. They spike his drink and mock him, making him feel ashamed and embarrassed. Additionally, Charlie realizes his romantic feelings for Alice Kinnian, his former teacher, and understands his growing isolation as his intelligence surpasses those around him. Ultimately, he regrets the impending loss of his relationship with Alice.

Algernon impacts Charlie by illustrating the temporary nature of their intelligence enhancement, leading Charlie to understand his own fate. Initially, Charlie seeks the surgery to gain friends and overcome isolation, but post-operation, he remains alienated due to his genius. Algernon, undergoing the same procedure, becomes Charlie's only true connection. Observing Algernon's decline foreshadows Charlie's regression, prompting him to reconcile with his past before eventually isolating himself again, acknowledging the experiment's fleeting success.