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The Play of Daniel Keyes' Flowers for Algernon

Bert Coules

136 Pages
1993

The Play of Daniel Keyes' Flowers for Algernon

Heinemann

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The Play of Daniel Keyes' Flowers for Algernon - Summary

This dramatic adaptation tells the story of Charlie Gordon, a mentally disabled adult who undergoes an experimental procedure to enhance his intelligence. The play follows Charlie's transformation as his intellectual growth parallels that of Algernon, a laboratory mouse who underwent the same procedure, exploring themes of human consciousness, dignity, and the price of knowledge.

Key Ideas

1

The Nature of Intelligence and Humanity

The play deeply explores what it truly means to be intelligent and questions whether cognitive ability defines human worth. Through Charlie's transformation, we see how intelligence affects relationships, self-awareness, and social interactions in profound and sometimes unexpected ways.

2

Scientific Ethics and Human Dignity

The story raises crucial questions about the ethics of human experimentation and the responsibilities of scientists towards their subjects. It challenges viewers to consider the moral implications of advancing scientific knowledge at the potential cost of human dignity.

3

Social Isolation and Connection

Throughout the play, we witness how both low and high intelligence can lead to isolation. Charlie's journey demonstrates how intellectual capacity affects human connections, showing that emotional intelligence and genuine human relationships transcend cognitive abilities.

FAQ's

The play version condenses the story into a more immediate, visual experience while maintaining the emotional core of Keyes' work. It uses theatrical devices to externalize Charlie's internal journey and features a large cast with balanced gender roles, making it particularly suitable for school productions.

The play is designed for secondary school students and older audiences, as it handles complex themes about identity, intelligence, and ethics while remaining accessible through its clear dramatic structure and relatable characters.

This Heinemann edition is specifically crafted for educational purposes, with durable binding and clear stage directions. It offers opportunities for large-scale student participation and contains balanced roles for both male and female students, making it ideal for school drama programs.

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