Good literature is defined not only by its writing, but also by the thought provoking conflicts and themes that it can provide. The best works of literature can make readers care about the world and characters or provide thought for long after the book has been put away. These books let readers feel empathy for the characters, and let them reflect on what they represent in the real world, whether it be a specific role, or an attribute of human nature. They provide insight on reality, as they make readers think about both the fictional and real world. Daniel Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon is one of these books and is a good work of literature as it provides interesting and meaningful conflicts and themes through its writing style and how it portrays
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One of the themes that enhances the conflict concerns the idea that humans cannot truly find happiness in intelligence, rather, they seek happiness with others. This is presented as the theme which many of Charlie’s conflicts are based around, as he has trouble interacting with others even with his high IQ, and cannot find happiness with others. Before the experiment to improve Charlie’s intelligence, he says, “with much more than twice my IQ of 70, then maybe people will like me and be my friends” (Keyes 49). By introducing what is essentially the basis of the theme, the reader can understand Charlie’s motives. The numerous conflicts Charlie faces are foreshadowed as one of the scientists says, “the more intelligent you become the more problems you’ll have Charlie” (Keyes 47). Presenting the full theme early helps the reader understand the conflicts Charlie faces, as theme and conflicts guide each other. By foreshadowing the future events with the theme, it lets the reader think more deeply about the conflicts he will face and lets them think about how the theme plays into the conflicts. Charlie soon finds the scientist’s words to be true as he states, “Everyone seems frightened of me” … “Nobody at the place talks to me any more” (Keyes 59). Given the connection between the theme and conflict, this lets the reader think about both, as it shows how the intelligence …show more content…
Keyes’ use of these elements is what develops the insightful conflicts which can provide thought for readers. This book clearly demonstrates the value of good literature, and what it can provide to society. The themes and conflicts which make the book a good work also provide insight concerning the daily lives of normal people. By writing about common problems such as the difficulties in human interactions, Keyes manages to create conflicts that are easy to connect to with applications to real life, even with a protagonist who is drastically different to the average person. Due to the nature of these conflicts, it is easy for the reader to reflect on the messages Keyes is trying to convey as they are relatable, and can provide insight concerning human life. This element of Keyes’ work clearly shows the importance of good literature in general as it, like many other works can provide important intrigue on human
One of the themes that enhances the conflict concerns the idea that humans cannot truly find happiness in intelligence, rather, they seek happiness with others. This is presented as the theme which many of Charlie’s conflicts are based around, as he has trouble interacting with others even with his high IQ, and cannot find happiness with others. Before the experiment to improve Charlie’s intelligence, he says, “with much more than twice my IQ of 70, then maybe people will like me and be my friends” (Keyes 49). By introducing what is essentially the basis of the theme, the reader can understand Charlie’s motives. The numerous conflicts Charlie faces are foreshadowed as one of the scientists says, “the more intelligent you become the more problems you’ll have Charlie” (Keyes 47). Presenting the full theme early helps the reader understand the conflicts Charlie faces, as theme and conflicts guide each other. By foreshadowing the future events with the theme, it lets the reader think more deeply about the conflicts he will face and lets them think about how the theme plays into the conflicts. Charlie soon finds the scientist’s words to be true as he states, “Everyone seems frightened of me” … “Nobody at the place talks to me any more” (Keyes 59). Given the connection between the theme and conflict, this lets the reader think about both, as it shows how the intelligence …show more content…
Keyes’ use of these elements is what develops the insightful conflicts which can provide thought for readers. This book clearly demonstrates the value of good literature, and what it can provide to society. The themes and conflicts which make the book a good work also provide insight concerning the daily lives of normal people. By writing about common problems such as the difficulties in human interactions, Keyes manages to create conflicts that are easy to connect to with applications to real life, even with a protagonist who is drastically different to the average person. Due to the nature of these conflicts, it is easy for the reader to reflect on the messages Keyes is trying to convey as they are relatable, and can provide insight concerning human life. This element of Keyes’ work clearly shows the importance of good literature in general as it, like many other works can provide important intrigue on human