Flowers for Algernon Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph) or (Page Number)

Quote #4

I wanted to overcome my emotional and sexual fears, to marry, have children, settle down. (12.126)

Charlie wants a white picket fence, too. Sure Charlie wants a family, but he knows he's got a long way to go emotionally before that's possible.

Quote #5

As she made that protective gesture, I saw the second double image: my mother, heavy with my sister, in the days when she was holding me less, warming me less with her voice and touch, protecting me less against anyone who dared to say I was subnormal. (12.130)

Lots going on here. Right after Charlie thinks about having sex with a strange woman, she suddenly reminds him of his mom. Oedipus complex much? And it sounds like things were a lot better before sissy entered the picture.

Quote #6

"Wait, Ma!" Charlie is confused at being restrained this way. He has no sense of what is being done to him, but there have been other doctors who were not so gentle after his parents left the room. (13.139)

Parents are supposed to be protectors, and, uh… that's not happening here. Do you think Rose is justified in her actions if she truly wants to help Charlie?