Flowers For Algernon

Charlie tours the Warren State Home, wondering if he will have to return there in the future. The head of the home shows Charlie that most of the residents are able to move around freely. However, he is struck when the woman in charge of the buildings discusses the challenges faced by the residents with the most severe disabilities. Charlie also visits a woodshop, where the residents are making shoddy objects which the workers nevertheless praise. He is moved by how much the workers at the home care for the residents by giving “a part of themselves” (230). Charlie also takes note of two residents who are cradling each other, the head explains, because they crave contact.

Back at the lab, Algernon has given up participating in the tests. Fay and Charlie continue to party, but Charlie is growing weary. One night, Alice and Fay meet at Charlie’s apartment. He had expected the meeting to go disastrously, but to his surprise the women get along well. However, Alice tells Charlie she is worried about how much he is drinking. They argue, but Alice relaxes when she learns that Charlie has not told Fay the truth about himself.