FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON

[E. Magill]

I'll start with your second question, because that's the age-old question that has gripped man since the dawn of civilization. The good caretaker or the crazy slut? Of course a man should always choose the good caretaker in the end, but I'm glad Charlie got to spend some time with the crazy slut.

As to the second question, I imagine the research would continue, but Strauss and Nemur would probably not be allowed within a thousand feet of it. Other, more ethical scientists would pick up where they left off and try to find a solution methinks.

[ericv]

Do you think they could find a solution before Charlie dies of old age? Or would the solution just be used to help the mentally handicapped in the future?

That would actually be pretty sad because Charlie would probably never know that he helped so many people.

[E. Magill]

I'm not sure. Intelligent Charlie seemed pretty sure the solution was out of reach for the time being.

Hey, just a quick reminder: even though I've started the thread for the next book, people can keep going on this thread as long as they want!

[kwirk]

Jun 19, 2013 17:47:34 GMT -5 ericv said:

I would like to believe that they were standing up for their friend in the end, but I don't know. They sure seemed like a real bunch of jerks.

Okay, two quick questions!

What do you think happens past the ending?
I've been pondering it a lot and I would like to think that Strauss and Nemur could prefect the procedure and eventually go back and help Charlie. I mean, it seemed pretty final, but Charlie did spend some time studying the procedure and his regression. I don't see why they couldn't go the few extra steps, build on his research, and bring him back. Maybe I'm just being a dreamer.... and then his old crew at the bakery could throw him a party to celebrate...... okay, now I'm just being ridiculous.

And now the most important question of all: Alice or Fay?
For me its Alice all the way. She has a good job, a good heart for working with the mentally disabled, and keeps a neat apartment. Sounds good to me! Fay seemed like hot mess, and to be frank, a borderline drunk. I know I'm what the kids call a "square" but I don't think I could handle going out every night or any of her drama. Just her messy apartment alone would scare me away.

My ending was Charlie just living out his life in the hospital, though meager, a happy one filled with friends.  Because of Charlie's regression and the moral questions I see the research getting stalled for a long time until someone else takes up the mantel, probably motivated by a disabled family member.  So nothing special to my ending, but just feels right to me.

And, Alice of course in the long run.  Though I think he needed Fay at that time to help with his inhibitions and let him live it up for time.

Also, I thought your proposal insightful that his friends may not really be friends in the end, just charlie's perception.  In my mind that doesn't matter so much because your perception is your reality, so to Charlie they're his friends, so I'll take his word on it.