1. “Flowers for Algernon” & Limitless
Film & literature
“Flowers for Algernon” &
Limitless

2. Today’s journal prompt (11 Oct)
What do you think was the most important thing Charlie learned in the story & how can you relate that lesson to your own life?

3. Limitless
Watch the clip from Limitless. Prior to this scene, Eddie’s brother-in-law has been murdered & Eddie learns the risks of the drug NZT.
As you watch, consider how Eddie’s response to increased intelligence compares & contrasts with that of Charlie in “Flowers for Algernon”

4. Listen to others’ contributions & feel free to add ideas of your own
Literature circle
In your group, share the notes you took for the 2nd part of “Flowers for Algernon”
Listen to others’ contributions & feel free to add ideas of your own

5. The viewpoint is measured in distance from the events in the story
Point of view
Any story requires a viewpoint character – one through who’s eyes & experience the story is told
The viewpoint is measured in distance from the events in the story
1st person (narrator is the protagonist; ‘I’ / ‘me’ / ‘my’ / ‘we’)
2nd person (narrator speaks to other characters; ‘you’ / ‘you’re’)
3rd person (narrator speaks to reader about other characters; ‘she’ / ‘he’ / ‘they’ / ‘them’ / ‘it’)
3rd person limited
3rd person omniscient

6. Charlie’s coworkers (Joe & Frank) Charlie’s boss (Mr. Donnegan)
Changing point of view
“Flowers for Algernon” is told in the 1st person point of view, from Charlie’s perspective
Discuss with a partner how Charlie’s story might be retold from the point of view of another character (in the 3rd person limited POV)
Miss Kinnian
Dr. Strauss
Dr. Nemur
Charlie’s coworkers (Joe & Frank)
Charlie’s boss (Mr. Donnegan)
Prepare to share your ideas after the discussion

7. limitless
Watch the ending of Limitless. Eddie has broken with the tough businessman who had helped him rise to power and is now running for the U.S. Senate. The businessman knows the secret of Eddie’s intelligence & ability
How does this ending compare with that of “Flowers for Algernon”? What is different about what Eddie learned versus what Charlie learned?

8. Next Tuesday (16 Oct) we’ll begin The Great Gatsby Read Ch. 1-3
Wrap-up
We will write the midterm exam on Thursday, 25 Oct – I will overview this next week in class
Short essay questions
Next Tuesday (16 Oct) we’ll begin The Great Gatsby
Read Ch. 1-3
Journal:
Summarize each chapter in 3~4 sentences
Journal as Discussion Director