In Daniel Keyes’s novel “Flowers for Algernon,” the protagonist, Charlie Gordon, suffers from a disability that is later revealed to be untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). This article explores Charlie’s condition, its effects on his life, and the ethical implications of the experimental treatment he undergoes.
Key Facts
- Charlie’s disability is the result of untreated phenylketonuria.
- Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down phenylalanine.
- If left untreated, phenylketonuria can cause intellectual disability and other neurological problems.
- Most babies born with phenylketonuria today would be treated early enough to prevent the type of learning disability that Charlie experiences.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down the amino acid phenylalanine. This leads to a buildup of phenylalanine in the blood, which can cause a variety of health problems, including intellectual disability, seizures, and behavioral problems.
Charlie’s Disability
Charlie Gordon is born with untreated PKU, which results in intellectual disability. He is unable to read or write, and he struggles with basic math and reasoning skills. He also has difficulty with social interactions and is often the target of bullying and ridicule.
Experimental Treatment
In an attempt to improve Charlie’s condition, two scientists, Professor Nemur and Dr. Strauss, offer him an experimental treatment that involves surgically altering his brain. The surgery is successful, and Charlie’s intelligence increases dramatically. However, the treatment also has unintended consequences, as Charlie begins to experience emotional instability and eventually regresses to his original mental state.
Ethical Implications
The experimental treatment that Charlie undergoes raises a number of ethical questions. One question is whether it is ethical to experiment on human subjects, especially those with disabilities. Another question is whether the potential benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks. Finally, there is the question of who should decide whether or not a person with a disability should undergo such a treatment.
Conclusion
Charlie Gordon’s disability in “Flowers for Algernon” is a complex and multifaceted issue. It is a result of untreated PKU, a genetic disorder that can lead to a variety of health problems. The experimental treatment that Charlie undergoes has both positive and negative consequences, and it raises a number of ethical questions.
Citations
- Keyes, Daniel. “Flowers for Algernon.” Harcourt, Brace & World, 1966.
- Collins, Helen M. “A Neuroscientist Reads… Daniel Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon.” The Startup, Medium, 30 Dec. 2019, swlh.medium.com/a-neuroscientist-reads-daniel-keyes-flowers-for-algernon-987b5c3197f4.
- “Flowers for Algernon.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Jan. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flowers_for_Algernon.
FAQs
What is Charlie Gordon’s disability?
Charlie Gordon has phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down the amino acid phenylalanine.
What are the effects of PKU?
PKU can cause a variety of health problems, including intellectual disability, seizures, and behavioral problems.
How does PKU affect Charlie’s life?
Charlie’s PKU results in intellectual disability. He is unable to read or write, and he struggles with basic math and reasoning skills. He also has difficulty with social interactions and is often the target of bullying and ridicule.
What is the experimental treatment that Charlie undergoes?
Charlie undergoes an experimental treatment that involves surgically altering his brain. The surgery is successful, and Charlie’s intelligence increases dramatically. However, the treatment also has unintended consequences, as Charlie begins to experience emotional instability and eventually regresses to his original mental state.
What are the ethical implications of the experimental treatment?
The experimental treatment that Charlie undergoes raises a number of ethical questions, including whether it is ethical to experiment on human subjects, especially those with disabilities, and whether the potential benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks.
Who should decide whether or not a person with a disability should undergo such a treatment?
There is no easy answer to the question of who should decide whether or not a person with a disability should undergo an experimental treatment. Some people believe that the decision should be made by the person with the disability, while others believe that it should be made by their guardians or doctors.
What is the significance of Charlie Gordon’s story?
Charlie Gordon’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of experimenting on human subjects and the importance of considering the ethical implications of new treatments. It is also a story about the human condition and the challenges faced by people with disabilities.