Flowers for Algernon Book Notes Summary

Impressed by Charlie's motivation, persuaded by Miss Kinnian's recommendation, and having obtained Norma Gordon's permission, Dr. Strauss and Professor Nemur decide to use Charlie in the experiment. He will be the first human being to have his intelligence raised by surgery.

Professor Nemur worries about the emotional risks of increasing Charlie's IQ of 68 to that of an intellectual superman, but Dr. Strauss reassures him that Charlie is good-natured and determined to learn. Besides, argues Strauss, Charlie will be making a great contribution to science. Professor Nemur warns Charlie that the experiment might fail or succeed only temporarily, and that Charlie may be institutionalized at the Warren State Home as a result. Full of courage and superstition, Charlie believes his lucky rabbit's foot will help make the operation a success.