1. Do you think Joe Carp and Frank Reilly should be considered Charlie’s friends? Explain why or why not.
Joe Carp and Frank Reilly should not be considered true friends of Charlie. In the text, Charlie’s interactions with Joe and Frank reveal that they often mock and belittle him rather than support him. For instance, they refer to him as “a dummy” and make fun of him behind his back. Charlie mentions, “They laugh at me and make jokes that I don’t understand,” showing that their behavior is not friendly. This evidence supports the notion that Joe and Frank do not exhibit the qualities of true friendship, which include kindness and respect. In summary, Joe and Frank cannot be considered Charlie’s friends because they treat him more like a source of entertainment than someone worthy of friendship.
2. In what way is Charlie the same at the end of the story as he is at the beginning? In what way is he different?
At the end of the story, Charlie is the same in that he still desires connection and acceptance, just as he did at the beginning. He expresses, “I just want to be like everyone else,” showcasing his unchanged longing for belonging. However, he is different in his understanding of relationships and intelligence. By the end, Charlie has experienced a significant increase in intelligence, which leads him to recognize the false nature of his relationships, particularly with Joe and Frank. He reflects, “I see now that they were never my friends,” indicating a newfound wisdom about how others view him. In conclusion, Charlie remains the same in his desire for connection but becomes more aware of meaningful relationships and the superficiality of some of those around him.
3. Explain whether you believe it is ethical to use humans as experimental subjects? Use evidence to support your reasoning.
I believe it is unethical to use humans as experimental subjects without strict ethical guidelines and informed consent. In "Flowers for Algernon," Charlie undergoes an experimental surgery that ultimately has devastating consequences for him. Initially, he is not fully aware of the risks involved, as he states, “I don’t understand what they are going to do to me.” This shows that he was not fully informed, and as the experiment progresses, he suffers greatly. This evidence highlights the ethical issue of using individuals who may not fully comprehend the risks they are taking. Therefore, experimentation should only take place under ethical standards that prioritize the well-being and consent of participants. In summary, using humans as experimental subjects can be unethical unless they are fully informed and protected.