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How did Algernon impact or change Charlie in Flowers for Algernon?

Algernon and Charlie undergo the same operation to enhance their intelligence. Charlie is the first human subject of this experiment and by watching the changes in Algernon's intelligence and behavior he is better able to understand his own progress after the operation.  Sadly, once Charlie figures out that the operation will eventually self-reverse, Algernon's mental capacity begins to deteriorate before his own, providing Charlie with a grim preview of what is in store for him.  Algernon's behavior, along with Charlie's, becomes more and more erratic.  Eventually Algernon dies, while Charlie fully regresses back into his original mental retardation.  However, Charlie is still able to remember what happened.  Unable to bear the emotional pain this causes him, he checks himself into a state facility where no one knows about the experiment.  In a final letter to Alice he asks her to put flowers on Algernon's grave.

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