Great story, but terrible title. I'm not sure exactly what the point of a title is, but if it's to inform about what the story is, or entice, it does neither.
Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
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Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#12The first book I couldn't put down and had to read in one sitting. It may be the origin of my fear of mental decline, which is much more horrific than death to me.
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#13I just finished this book.
I felt the author could have done more with Charlies genius stage.
Not sure why, that part just felt flat somehow.
The rising and the subsequent decline stages were really gripping though.
Like he was describing the thought process of a surprised friendly dog.
Id give it 4/5.
Really good story.
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#14Great story, but terrible title. I'm not sure exactly what the point of a title is, but if it's to inform about what the story is, or entice, it does neither.
Many fictional titles explain very little if you have not already read the work. Take "lord of the rings" for example, or "Anna Karenina", or even "the Bible".
"Flowers for Algernon" is a fine, memorable title that makes sense in the context of what the story is about.
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#15Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#16I remember reading the story for the first time and my feelings of pity and horror when the protagonist's decline began. With lifespans increasing, many of us will have Charlie's experience.
We read this aloud together in grade school. I skipped ahead and thoroughly regretted it. The class was still in the hopeful portion, and I had to watch them come to the same realization I did.
When you're that young, you're used to the idea that you will constantly learn, grow, and expand your horizons. The idea of regression is both real and likely is frightening and motivating. It's truly a story that has stuck with me.
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#17Read the short story just a few weeks ago. It's still one of my favorite. So beautiful, so haunting.
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#18Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#19Great story, but terrible title. I'm not sure exactly what the point of a title is, but if it's to inform about what the story is, or entice, it does neither.
It's a story that is a classical part of education for most adults who have gone through it (US-focused).
Perhaps you didn't read it. If your education journey was in another locale, are there any stories that stick with you that strike a similar contemplation, of the hubris of man and the untamed heart?
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#20Great story, but terrible title. I'm not sure exactly what the point of a title is, but if it's to inform about what the story is, or entice, it does neither.
Did you read the book? (Spoiler Alert) Basically the only thing remaining with Charlie after his regression was the memory of his friend Algernon. A "mere" laboratory rat, like himself. That's a message about what things really matter in the long run.