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Read the quotations below from Daniel Keyes's Flowers for Algernon. Match each one with the

theme or lesson it suggests.
1. School should help you question
2. The most meaningful gift is
showing that you care.
your beliefs.
3. Progress is based on the work of
others.
Theme
Quotation:
* "Now I understand that one of the
important reasons for ... getting an
education is to learn that the things
you've believed in all your life aren't
true."
* "No one really starts anything new,
Mrs. Nemur. Everyone builds on
other men's failures. There is
nothing really original in science."
* "There are a lot of people who will
give money or materials, but very
few who will give time and
affection."​

User Eduffy
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

Quotations from 'Flowers for Algernon' suggest themes of education questioning beliefs, progressive work being collective, and the value of giving affection and time over material things. These themes reflect on the importance of challenging what we know, acknowledging the contributions of others, and cherishing personal connections.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, various quotations suggest different themes that convey lessons and truths within the narrative. Matching each quote with the appropriate theme:

  • Theme: School and Education - Quotation: "Now I understand that one of the important reasons for ... getting an education is to learn that the things you've believed in all your life aren't true." This demonstrates that part of education is learning to question your beliefs and understand that there may be different perspectives or new information that challenges what you have previously held to be true.
  • Theme: Progress and Discovery - Quotation: "No one really starts anything new, Mrs. Nemur. Everyone builds on other men's failures. There is nothing really original in science." This reflects on the idea that progress is a cumulative effort, relying on the past work of others and building upon it, suggesting that science and discovery are iterative processes.
  • Theme: Generosity and Affection - Quotation: "There are a lot of people who will give money or materials, but very few who will give time and affection." This illustrates that the meaningful gift often lies in giving of oneself through time and affection, which is rarer and more valuable than material contributions.

These themes in Keyes's novel provide insight into human nature and societal values, highlighting the impact of education, the collective nature of progress, and the importance of personal connection and care.

User Sinned
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3 votes

Answer:

1. School should help you question your beliefs. - * "Now I understand that one of the important reasons for ... getting an education is to learn that the things you've believed in all your life aren't true."

2. The most meaningful gift is showing that you care. - * "There are a lot of people who will give money or materials, but very few who will give time and affection."​

3. Progress is based on the work of others. - * "No one really starts anything new, Mrs. Nemur. Everyone builds on other men's failures. There is nothing really original in science."

Step-by-step explanation:

Daniel Keyes' "Flowers for Algernon" revolves around the story of how a young man who is mentally handicapped was able to become intelligent through surgery. This science fiction novel explores the themes of the human life cycle, the limits of science, and the importance of knowledge over happiness.

1. The theme of questioning one's beliefs through the school or education system is shown in the quote about "getting an education is to learn that the things you've believed in all your life aren't true".

2. The theme of care as the most meaningful gift is expressed in the quote about people who give money or material things but "very few who will give time and affection".

3. And the theme of progress is based on the work of others is shown in the quote "Everyone builds on other's failures".

User Thomie
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