Flowers for Algernon and Phenomenon
Comparison-Contrast Writing Assignment
Throughout the history of literature, many novels have inspired the creation of new separate pieces or movies. Sometimes the expansion of the plot or theme of a previous piece can prove to become the basis of a new movie. On the other hand this use of a previous novel has failed to create a proficient movie at other times. An example of this is the creation of the movie Phenomenon, which was evidently spawned from Flowers for Algernon. Critiques have often complemented this great use of a novel’s theme to create a new movie. There are many major things you can compare as well as contrast between both Flowers for Algernon and Phenomenon.
There are many things to compare and discuss between the novel and the movie. One thing to compare is the general topic of how the protagonists in both the novel and the movie become immensely more intelligent after a significant event. Another comparison is the similar theme from both Flowers for Algernon, and Phenomenon. The theme of, “Change isn’t always better,” is clearly present in both. In Flowers for Algernon Charlie receives his wish of becoming smarter which but it doesn’t bring happiness to him, but instead a harsh realization of society. Charlie then loses his intelligence as the effects of the operation start to wear off. Similarly in Phenomenon the protagonist, George, becomes suddenly smart after a brain tumor starts to grow, but ends up dying in the end. A major similarity is how the community and co-workers in both become afraid of both Charlie and George as they progress to a higher level of mentality. In Flowers for Algernon Charlie’s co-workers start to avoid Charlie once he becomes further mentally able than they are themselves. Likewise in Phenomenon, the friends of George in his community slowly stop staying friends with him and slightly begin to fear him. Another comparison to be made is how both protagonists are...