Vocabulary in Flowers for Algernon

Charlie's misspelled version of 'progress report' — the journal entries he is asked to write by the researchers to track his mental development before and after the operation.

To grant or bestow something, such as a benefit or ability, upon a person; here used when doctors discuss giving Charlie the experimental treatment.

A symmetrical blot of ink used in a psychological test (the Rorschach test) in which a patient describes what shapes or images they see, revealing aspects of their personality or mental state.

A puzzle of winding paths with dead ends used in laboratory experiments to test an animal's or person's ability to learn and remember the correct route.

Having a strong inner drive or reason to do something; in this text the researchers assess whether Charlie is sufficiently eager and determined to undergo the experimental procedure.

Surgery performed on the brain or nervous system; the experimental operation Charlie undergoes that is intended to dramatically increase his intelligence.

A proposed scientific explanation or prediction that must be tested through experiment; here it refers to Nemur and Strauss's theory that intelligence can be artificially and permanently increased.

Tending to examine and reflect deeply on one's own thoughts, feelings, and mental processes; Charlie becomes increasingly self-examining as his intelligence grows.

Behaving as though one is superior to others and treating them as less intelligent or less worthy of respect; Charlie begins to notice this attitude in people around him.

A leveling off or period of no further progress after a phase of rapid growth; used here to describe a temporary halt in Charlie's intellectual development.

A return to an earlier, less developed state; in this text it refers to the gradual reversal of Charlie's gained intelligence back toward his original mental condition.

Charlie's own scientific term for the flaw he discovers in the experiment: that artificially accelerated intelligence is unstable and will inevitably decline and reverse.

A psychological restraint that prevents a person from acting freely or expressing feelings naturally; Charlie struggles to overcome deep emotional inhibitions even as his intellect soars.

Freed from psychological restraints or social caution, behaving more openly and impulsively than usual; describes Charlie's loosened emotional and social behavior at certain points.

An outdated clinical term used in the story's era to describe a person with significant intellectual disability; applied to Charlie before and after the experiment.

The marks used in writing (commas, periods, etc.) to clarify meaning; Charlie's early reports lack it entirely, and its gradual appearance tracks his growing intelligence.

The part of the mind that operates below the level of conscious awareness, storing memories, fears, and desires that influence behavior without the person realizing it.

To treat someone as if they are less intelligent or capable than you, often while appearing kind or helpful; Charlie retrospectively understands that people at the bakery patronized him.

The process of becoming progressively worse in condition or quality; used to describe the decline of both Algernon's and Charlie's mental abilities as the experiment fails.

A state of having no interest, enthusiasm, or concern about things; Charlie notices growing emotional and intellectual apathy in himself as his regression advances.

Thinking and expressing oneself clearly and rationally; Charlie has occasional lucid intervals during his regression when he is briefly aware of what he is losing.

A state institution for people with intellectual disabilities; Charlie fears being sent there and sees it as a place that would strip away his remaining dignity and autonomy.

To speak about something with contempt or mockery, dismissing it as foolish or unworthy of serious attention; used when characters ridicule Charlie or his situation.

An outburst of uncontrolled anger or frustration, typically associated with a child; as Charlie regresses, his emotional responses become increasingly childlike and uncontrolled.

A painful swelling filled with pus caused by infection; used in the text in connection with Algernon's physical decline as the experiment's effects deteriorate.