After reviewing the definitions of theme and symbolism, Jaydn extracted themes from the reading based on the text. We discussed two themes: how society mistreats those who are different and how conformity does not guarantee happiness. Again noting how Algernon represents Charlie Gordon and how Charlie Gordon is in effect treated as a laboratory animal , we discussed the ethics of the necessity of performing medical experimenting on animals . Jaydn actively participated in this exchange of ideas especially as we tried to rationalize the difference between experimenting on lower order animals from experimenting on higher order animals. Last, we spent a few minutes modifying some study guide answers from last session.