Nick P: 2nd Week

In the novel, “Flowers for Algernon” Daniel Keyes greatly influenced my view of people with mental illnesses. Before I read the novel, I thought they should be treated like younger kids, but now I believe they should be treated just like everyone else. In the book, Charlie Gordon wanted to be treated normally. Even though their overall intelligence might not be as good as somebody without a disability they want to believe they can do anything. The operation made it possible for Charlie to do anything he wanted to without his disability affecting him.

Mentally challenged people are treated much differently than in the past. They use to be given up on and there was no hope for them to succeed in life. Now they go to school like every other kid and they are given the same opportunities to make a difference like everyone around them. Even though it might be more challenging for them to learn and remember, they will always have a chance. With the increase in technology, their might be a cure in the near future so they can live a normal life, and have the same amount of friends as people without disabilities. For example, Charlie was sent away by his parents to the Warren Home for good. He was written off with no chance at a free life. He then got the opportunity to have a surgery so he could be treated like everyone else. During the time of this novel, people with mental handicaps weren't given the same opportunity as they are now.