Charlie Gordon's Life In Daniel Keyes Flowers For Algernon

People often say they would do anything for a desired trait. In the science fiction story, “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes, there was a mentally challenged man named Charlie Gordon. He wanted more than anything to be smart, and he needed more than to just study to help his Intelligence Quotient (I.Q) of only sixty eight. He was given the opportunity to have an Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Surgery, and he accepted with lots of enthusiasm. A.I. positively impacted Charlie’s life because he got to have real life experiences, help science and feel emotions. One reason it was good that Charlie got the surgery was because he got to have real life experiences with a more advanced mindset. Before the surgery, he could not have serious or long discussions or go in public without struggling to fit in. …show more content…
However, when you look at how Charlie discovered the Algernon Gordon Effect, it was very successful. Another common argument against having the surgery, is that some of the emotions he was experiencing were anger and depression so it had a negative effect on a portion of his life. In contrast, he had some good, strong, feelings and emotions that positively impacted his life. Finally, critics argue that because Charlie’s intelligence was temporary, it was not worth it. But, he would not have been able to tie up loose ends with his mother, learn and absorb knowledge or do normal things for a short period of time. Overall, having the Artificial Intelligence surgery was worth it for Charlie. He was able to have real life experiences, help contribute to scientific advancements and feel emotions. Based on everything Charlie did and worked for, people should never take the gift of knowledge for granted. Although his intelligence was temporary, he was truly able to live. Even Charlie said, he would do it all