Themes: Nature of Friendship
Keyes also questions the nature of friendship. As Charlie’s intelligence declines to its preoperative level, he concludes that because letting people laugh is a good way to make friends, he should have lots of friends in his new home.
Expert Q&A
Did Joe and Frank show true friendship by helping Charlie at the end of Flowers for Algernon?
No, Joe and Frank did not show true friendship by helping Charlie at the end of Flowers for Algernon. Their previous behavior towards Charlie was exploitative and cruel, and they distanced themselves from him when he became more intelligent. Genuine friends would have protected and celebrated with Charlie, but Joe and Frank's actions suggest they are static characters who remain unchanged and insincere.
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Themes: Societal Attitudes Toward the Mentally Handicapped
Themes: Love and Shared Experience
