Consider the observations Charlie makes of the Warren State Home and
Training School. What do you think is Keyes's purpose in having
Charlie visit Warren at this point in the novel?
The initial perspective that comes to mind is that Charlie goes to
the Warren State Home to tour it because he is realizing that he may
have to life there once his operation digresses pass the point of no
return. While on his visit he is asked by Winslow “What do you know
about being shut out from every human experience as our patients have
been?” This is highly ironic, as not only does Charlie know exactly
what this is like, but he is already on his way to returning to a
less intelligent state.
There is, most likely the deeper reasoning behind this part of the
text. We believe perhaps Keyes does this to show the reader the irony
and that Charlie is coming to terms with his intelligence not being
as good as it has been.
Winslow’s remark also makes us think about the quality of our lives
and that we truly do not understand what the mentally
challenged have to go through daily.
Keyes also brings another purpose to the table. Why are there so many people not willing to take care of the mentally challenged? Winslow points this out to Charlie at the Warren Home. “There are a lot of people who will give money or materials, but very few who will give time and affection.” No one wants to help out because they don’t want to waste their time with a challenge. Keyes is trying to show us that more people should be willing to help out the mentally challenged. These homes really need more help with the handicap.
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