Language Transformation and Subjectivity: A Lacanian Psychological Literary Criticism of Daniel Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon

This study examines subjectivity construction, stabilization, and disintegration in Daniel Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon, highlighting language as the main narrative mechanism for producing subjectivity. Using narratological, stylistic, and Lacanian psychoanalytic frameworks, the analysis views subjectivity not as a stable psychological essence but as a fragile, language-dependent formation via narrative discourse. Through qualitative close reading, the study analyzes Charlie Gordon’s first-person progress reports, focusing on linguistic markers of subjectivity, including spelling patterns, syntactic complexity, vocabulary range, narrative coherence, and self-referential expressions. The findings show early non-standard linguistic forms place Charlie at symbolic discourse margins, while subsequent linguistic stabilization allows reflective self-positioning and symbolic integration. However, this stability is temporary, as linguistic deterioration leads to narrative fragmentation and self-referential authority disintegration. A Lacanian reading of the Imaginary and Symbolic orders shows narrative coherence moments correspond to imaginary identification, while symbolic regulation introduces abstraction and alienation, and its breakdown results in narrative subjectivity disintegration. The study argues Flowers for Algernon constructs subjectivity as a precarious narrative achievement sustained through language, not an inherent psychological constant, offering a language-centered perspective to literary discussions of identity, narrative voice, and subject formation.