Charlie's Intimacy In Flowers For Algernon

This passage describing Charlie’s intimacy with Miss Killian is not explicit at all, and the passages in which Charlie had sex with Fay was not explicit either. The vocabulary that was used to portray these moments were mild and respectful. Although Charlie Gordon did have several sexual encounters, Keyes barely describes these passages in an explicit way. Moreover, Flowers for Algernon is assigned to students that are in the age range in which they are already exposed to sexual content that is far more explicit than the ones depicted in the novel. The lesson that Charlie learns, that sex is much more meaningful when love is involved, is valuable to the readers of the novel. Another case for banning Flowers for Algernon is its use of language. …show more content…
This book tells of the joys as his brain begins to develop and the challenges that arise as well. This book also depicts emotion and teaches the reader lessons in understanding. At the beginning of the novel, Charlie values intellect and strives to be intelligent. He thinks that if he is smart, then people will like him better and treat him with more respects, meaning that he will find more friends. As he grows intellectually, however, Charlie soon realizes that the attribute that he valued the most is the thing that causes is unhappiness. There are also lessons in love and respect, which everyone can benefit from. Charlie learns that the act of intimacy with others is only meaningful if he loves the other person, as he learns with Miss Killian. Sexual content, profanity and other controversial themes are not the only subjects that Flowers for Algernon should be based on. In conclusion, Flowers for Algernon should not be banned in schools throughout America. Although it may contain sexual content, profanity, and themes such as alcohol, these factors do not take away from the values that the book teaches readers. These elements are also already influences in the students that read Flowers for Algernon, and a book will not spur undesired change within these students. The values that the novel teaches, such as love and respect for others, defeat the cited reasons for banning the book. Flowers for Algernon should stay in American