Final answer:
Being 'smart' and being 'intelligent' are presented as distinct in 'Flowers for Algernon,' with the story highlighting the complexity of intelligence, which encompasses more than just academic ability.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, being "smart" and being "intelligent" are not the same, and "Flowers for Algernon," a story by Daniel Keyes, explores the distinction between these concepts. The protagonist, Charlie Gordon, undergoes an experimental surgery to increase his intelligence, which initially seems to make him "smarter." However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that having a high IQ doesn't necessarily equip him with the emotional maturity or the social skills, often referred to as "street smarts," needed to navigate through life successfully. While Charlie becomes highly intelligent in the traditional academic sense, he struggles with understanding human emotions and relationships, thus demonstrating that intelligence is multifaceted and includes emotional and practical aspects beyond mere book learning.