Teacher's Pet
We are introduced to Miss Kinnian as Charlie Gordon's teacher at the Beekman College Center for Retarded Adults. Alice works with adults that have severe learning disabilities and low IQs, and while her job is a tough one, she genuinely enjoys it. Alice believes Charlie is her best student because he is so willing and motivated to try to learn. Because of Charlie's determination and good nature, Alice suggests that Charlie is the best candidate for the research study and surgery that will ultimately change both of their lives.
Is It Love or Lust?
Alice and Charlie's emotional connection starts as a caring student/teacher relationship, but once Charlie has his surgery, everything changes. As Charlie matures, he becomes sexually attracted to Alice. Alice tries to put a stop of this type of relationship because she knows Charlie needs more time to grow emotionally and sexually. However, as time progresses and Charlie is no longer her student, Alice allows Charlie to take her out on a date but regrets the experience because she fears Charlie needs more time to mature.
Their relationship plays ping pong for a while as Charlie tries to work through what is essentially puberty, but his sexual inexperience and past trauma continue to hold him back.
Everything Changes
As Charlie begins to grow intellectually, he struggles to increase his sexual maturity, but as time goes on, he acknowledges that what he feels for Alice is truly love. Since his childhood trauma stems from his mother's abuse, it seems impossible that Charlie will ever be able to physically show his love for Alice.
Alice and Charlie fall in love, but Alice pushes Charlie to grow as an individual first before they explore their feelings for each other.
 |
Charlie spends time with a woman named Fay, a free spirited type that takes Charlie out drinking, dancing and shows Charlie the sexual ropes. Because this relationship is purely physical, Charlie is able to grow and gain a level of sexual maturity that helps bridge the gap between old Charlie and genius Charlie. After he visits his mother, Charlie is finally able to move beyond his traumatic childhood experiences and make love to Alice.
Analysis
While the majority of this lesson seems to focus on Charlie, these plot points are important for understanding and assessing Alice's character. Throughout the entire story, Alice keeps Charlie's best interest in the forefront of her mind to ensure he will remain safe. While at times, Charlie chooses to go off and explore the world, he never loses the connection he has with Alice--true love. Alice is a symbol of that love, one that is unconditional, stable and pure. She is his rock throughout the hard times, and she allows Charlie the space to grow. Alice stays with Charlie until the very end of his intellectual decline, ensuring he is cared for and loved.
While this is a beautiful picture of a generous teacher and loving woman, there is a piece of Alice Kinnian that readers may or may not notice. Nearing the end of Charlie's intellectual life, Charlie tells Alice she will have to leave before his IQ gets too low. Alice agrees and admits she will never visit Charlie at the Warren State Home and will do her best to forget about him. While this seems harsh, this shows Alice is a realistic, strong, independent woman that was fulfilled by her short time with a man she truly loved. It is Alice's strength and independence which allow her to go back to her life knowing their moment in the sun is over.
Lesson Summary
How far would you go to help your student? And/or how far has a teacher gone to help you? Alice Kinnian devotes her life to students that may never fully succeed in reading, writing or speaking, but her dedication is reward enough. However, when it comes to Charlie Gordon, it seems Alice sacrifices her life for a short period of time. Alice recommends Charlie for the experiment and surgery that will change both their lives. After the surgery, when Charlie's intelligence increases, Alice is hesitant in starting a relationship with Charlie. Initially, she plays the role of teacher until Charlie is able to work through his trauma and mature sexually. Her relationship with Charlie from beginning to end shows that she is a loving, compassionate and strong independent woman that will do whatever she can to help those in need.
