Discuss!

Hello all,

As promised (two hours behind) here are this week's discussion questions. There are five total. Three I got from various websites and the other two I mustered.

1. What are some of the conflicts between the doctors about Charlie's operation? How do their reactions to Charlie's intelligence differ? How to their approaches to science differ?

2. How does Algernon function as an alter ego for Charlie?

3. How was your understanding or appreciation of this novel influenced by its mechanical qualities--that is, by its spelling, grammar, diction, punctuation, and so on?

4. Several times in the novel Charlie explains that even though he had a low IQ before the operation he was still human; he still had feelings and emotions even if he could not comprehend them. To Charlie, what does it mean to be human and does he ever get to fully experience this?

5. In studying Algernon, Charlie realizes that success begins to become its own reward. How does this reflect in his own experience of becoming smart?

Alrighty, I am sure we will have a lively discussion about this book. I am looking forward to seeing you all!

Until Thursday.

Liz