Table of ContentsIntroductionBackground InformationAnalysis of Character DevelopmentExploration of Ethical DilemmasExamination of ThemesLiterary Devices and Writing StyleImpact and Relevance of the NovelConclusionIntroductionThe novel "Flowers for Algernon" written by Daniel Keyes explores the questions about intelligence and identity through the story of Charlie Gordon. Gordon is a cognitively delayed man who undergoes cognitive surgery to become a genius; the novel offers a unique perspective on how human relationships are influenced by intelligence. This article seeks to show how Keyes' novel challenges societal ideals about intelligence and disability by analyzing the novel's characters, themes, ethical dilemmas, literary devices, and impact. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBackground InformationSet in 1960s New York, the novel is about Charlie, a mentally disabled man, selected for experimental surgery aimed at increasing one's intelligence. The plot of the book follows Charlie's journey before and after the operation. The novel touches on complex themes such as identity, empathy, and intelligence, while meditating on a person's changing perspectives and relationships. The author's purpose in writing this book was to reflect on the importance of empathy and understanding as individuals learn to interact with people with mental disorders. obstacles. Additionally, Keyes draws attention to the implications of scientific advances in the field of cognitive studies. Analysis of Character Development Charlie Gordon is the protagonist of the novel. At the start of the book, Charlie is a mentally disabled man, struggling to integrate into society and struggling with feelings of inadequacy and inferiority caused by his learning difficulties. The surgical intervention aims to improve his intelligence, which induces a profound change in Charlie's psyche, particularly in his intellectual capacity, by modifying his social status and improving his self-esteem. The change induced by surgery significantly alters Charlie's emotional and cognitive development. Yet this leads to complications, such as abandonment by those close to him and returning to his former cognitive state at the end of the novel, leading to tragic implications. Exploring Ethical Dilemmas Experimental surgery leads to numerous ethical dilemmas that arise throughout the novel. An ethical dilemma, for example, concerns the effect of the procedure on people's lives, namely on the life of the protagonist. The operation initially increases Charlie's intelligence, leading to a transformation that impacts Charlie's entire life. The novel delves into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence enhancement, presenting the potential consequences of the impact of Charlie's enhanced intelligence on society. This increase in intelligence is not going as smoothly as hoped, with some drawbacks forcing readers to consider the costs of advancing science. Examining Themes The theme of intelligence runs throughout the book. Keyes presents intelligence as a coveted but double-edged sword that carries significant personal and societal responsibilities. Additionally, the theme of identity is an important part of the novel, from Charlie's identity as a disabled man before the operation, and his transformation into a brilliant scholar, to his identity crisis when it returns to its original state. Empathy, another central theme of the book,, 2(2), 99-109.