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Conflict In Flowers For Algernon

Decent Essays

"'What I mean is, we have no right to put this on a personal... Emotional level. You have so much to do. I have no right to come into your life at this time,'" said Alice Kinnian on page 180 of Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. Heart throbbing, torso wracked with anxiety, Alice Kinnian is the pristine model of the feminine side of a complex relationship. Alice Kinnian's feelings and opinions clash throughout the book with Charlie's yearnings and wishes, creating tension between the characters and drawing multiple conflicts from them. The evolution of Alice's relationship with Charlie and their different levels of emotional intelligence compared with intellectuals brings to the table a message hidden beneath overlapping layers of intense literature. Kinnian's importance as the first major love interest of Flowers for Algernon conflicts with her emotions as much as it tests the boundaries of people in her life, and Alice's evolution from humble school teacher to bold romantic partner through the course of the story changes her perspective of everyone around her. Alice Kinnian's love-hate relationship with Charlie Gordon embodies modern day crushes and confusion with the added science fiction twist of Charlie's operation. Although Alice appears to be strong and resolute, the story gives multiple hints that she is crumbling down internally at Charlie's attempts to woo and then replace her. Just like most relationships today, Kinnian is struggling to understand

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