1. Subplots/ parallel episodes/ Characterization
“Flowers for Algernon

2. Subplots Less important plots that are part of the larger story
Example: Romeo and Juliet (love story, family feud

3. Parallel Episodes Definition: Deliberately repeated plot events
Example: The Three Little Pigs (I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down! X3)

4. Characterization
The way a writer reveals the personality of a character.
Direct: what the author tells reader about character
Indirect:
1. through words of the character
2. through description of character’s looks
3. Through description of character’s thoughts/feelings
4. through comments made about character by other characters
5. through character’s behavior

5. Background Genre: Science Fiction
a broad genre of fiction that often takes place in the future and usually involves speculations based on current science.
Plot
Charlie Gordon is a mentally handicapped man with an IQ of about 70. He is chosen to partake in a science experiment that will “make him smart.” There is a lot of growth that Charlie must go through (intellectually and emotionally) before discovering many truths about himself, the people around him, and his purpose in life.

6. Structure
Flowers for Algernon is unique in its structure. Rather than having chapters to separate its sections, it uses “progress reports” that Charlie is required to write as data for the experiment. Therefore, the short story is written entirely from Charlie’s point of view and contains memories and flashbacks as well as daily accounts of his learning and growth. Being the central figure in the experiment, his perspective of the world changes, and certainly challenges the reader’s imagination and moral position.

7. Intelligence Testing
French Psychologist Alfred Binet designed the I.Q. Test around 1900.
The test was intended to measure children’s intelligence for educators to identify weaknesses and tutor them accordingly.
Now, many educators believe we have multiple intelligences/learning styles.

8. Think About it…
It is better to be smart and lonely than unintelligent and happy.
Our relationships with other people are what fulfill us.