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Overview
"Flowers for Algernon" is an award-winning novel by Daniel Keyes that began life as a speculative science fiction short story published in "The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction" in 1959. The story won the Hugo award and later, after many reprints and translations, was made into a telecast called "The Two Worlds of Charlie Gordon". The popularity of the short story allowed Keyes to write the novel that later won the Nebula Award. The novel is still in print.
History
Daniel Keyes was born August 9, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York. At 17, he joined the U.S. Maritime Service. He returned to school after his service ended and completed a B.A. in psychology. He then worked as an associate fiction editor and fashion photographer but then received a license to teach English in the New York City schools. While working as a teacher, he returned to Brooklyn College and received his M.A. in English and American Literature. After receiving his M.A. he taught creative writing at Wayne State University and later was named Professor of English and Creative Writing at Ohio University. He now resides in Florida.
Other Works
Other works by Daniel Keyes include three works of fiction: "The Touch", a science fiction story about the effects of a radiation accident at an industrial facility; "The Fifth Sally", a story about multiple personality disorder, and his most recent work, "Until Death...", a novel concerning competency for execution for the crime of homicide. Keyes has also published three nonfiction books and an autobiography: "The Minds of Billy Milligan", "The Milligan Wars: A True-Story Sequel", "Unveiling Claudia" and "Algernon, Charlie and I: A Writer's Journey".
Storyline
Flowers for Algernon is presented as a series of journal entries by its protagonist, Charlie Gordon. Charlie is a mentally handicapped janitor attempting to fit into society. He feels that by attending school at night he will become more intelligent and gain acceptance. The science fiction element of the story presents itself as doctors have developed a method to improve a person's mental capabilities. The first successful test subject, Algernon, is a mouse, and so the way is paved for Charlie to be subjected to the procedure. The procedure is a success for Charlie as well. Keyes presents Charlie's increased intelligence through his subsequently more sophisticated journal entries. Sadly the procedure is not permanent, and Algernon and Charlie return to normal.
Adaptions
Besides the telecast adaption of the short story, the novel has been adapted as a stage play internationally. "Charlie and Algernon", a musical, was performed at the Queen's Theatre in London's West End in 1979. A production has also run on Broadway. For his role as Charlie in the 1968 screenplay adaption, titled "Charly", Cliff Robertson won an Academy Award.
Difficulties and Success
Keyes most notable work is "Flowers for Algernon". In an interview with Locusmag.com, Keyes remarked how, when he was submitting the story for publication, many editors wanted him to change the ending. He refused, and five publishers declined to purchase it. Eventually, it was published with Keyes' original ending, and the story has remained an international hit.
