Intelligence And Happiness In Flowers For Algernon By Daniel Keyes

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Although intelligence does bring forth many benefits in life, it cannot create happiness. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a story in which bringing happiness from increasing ones intelligence is attempted using the latest scientific advances. When introduced to the protagonist, Charlie Gordon, the premier thought of his we learn is he idolizes being smart, which is his one and only wish; although throughout the novel he learns intelligence without emotional stability cannot bring forth happiness.

In the novel, beginning from the first paragraph, Charlie’s intentions are clear; he wishes to become intelligent above anything. Within the very first progress journal Charlie describes his willingness to become intelligent. “All my life I wantid to be smart and not dumb and my mom always tolld me to try …but its very hard to be smart and even when I lern … at the school I ferget alot." (Keyes 4). Charlie indicates his eagerness to become intelligent began ever since he was little yet, his weak memory holds him back, but nonetheless being smart is his one goal. Also when Charlie is talking about why he wants to become intelligent he reveals he believes becoming smart will bring him friends to keep him company. He reports, “if your smart you can have lots of frends to talk to and you never get lonley by yourself all the time.” (15). Charlie believes being smart is the key to popularity and gaining friends who will want to spend time with him, therefore becoming intelligent for him is the key to happiness. In addition when the professor reminds Charlie all the fame he could acquire if he was successful reminds he shakes it off. He reflects “I dont care so much about beeing famus. I just want to be smart like other pepul so I c...

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...ss cannot be deprived from increased intelligence, particularly without emotional maturity. Throughout the beginning of the Novel all Charlie Gordon wants in life is to become smarter so which will in turn make him happier and help him gain more friends. Not even fame or worldwide recognition could overcome his will to become happier from intelligence. However as the book progressed and Charlie did receive his wish to become smarter he realized, without emotional maturity he was even worse off than before which then may have caused his relapse and loss of memory bringing Charlie back to his previous condition. Expecting to be happy from the respect from other people by being intelligent is neither reasonable nor logical. Happiness needs to be derived from within, and cannot be won from other people, and those who believe it can are not yet emotionally stable.

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