Flowers for Algernon

What does the incident with Dr. Guarino tell us about Rose Gordon? What does it tell us about Matt Gordon?

what does the incident with dr. guarino tell us about rose gordon? what does it tell us about matt gordon?

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The incident with Dr. Guarino depicts Rose as a concerned mother, who wants the best for her son. She has no idea how to handle him and desperately needs help, even though Charlie will not be "normal" in the way Rose wises him to be. In Matt, we see defeat. He doesn't have the money to afford Dr. Guarino's services and responsibly admits it. Matt doesn't see the point in hiring the doctor, and his wife resents it.

"Now don't upset him, Mrs Gordon, and don't worry. Bring him to me on Tuesday and Thursday each week at the same time."
"But will this really do any good?" asks Matt. "Ten dollars is a lot of-"
"Matt!" she clutches at his sleeve. "Is that anything to talk about at a time like this? Your own flesh and blood, and maybe Dr Guarino can make him like other children, with the Lord's help, and you talk about money!"
Matt Gordon starts to defend himself, but then, thinking better of it, he pulls out his wallet.
"Please... " sighs Guarino, as if embarrassed at the sight of money. "My assistant at the front desk will take care of all the financial arrangements. Thank you."
He half bows to Rose, shakes Matt's hand and pats Charlie on the back.
"Nice boy. Very nice."
Then, smiling again, he disappears behind the door to the inner office. They argue all the way home, Matt complaining that barber supply sales have fallen off, and that their savings are dwindling, Rose screeching back that making Charlie normal is more important than anything else.

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Flowers for Algernon