What is reality? The novel One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, written by Ken Kesey, explores living in a mental institution through the mind of a patient. As the reader begins the novel, they would naturally think that a patient found in a mental hospital would be insane. As Kesey introduces you to the patients, and you see the institution in their eyes, you believe that they are really normal people, and society is insane. The main character, Chief Bromden is a half Indian man, who is considered schizophrenic. Randall McMurray, the newest patient in the ward, causes many difficult situations fo...

• Word Count: 1466
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Characterization of McMurphy and Nurse Ratched Kesey's characterization of McMurphy and Nurse Ratched is the element that makes the plot come alive. McMurphy and Nurse Ratched, the main characters in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, helped establish and embellish the plot and the other characters in the book. Kesey created these characters and used them as foils to bring about the characteristics of the other mental patients in the ward. Their relationship also enhances the tone for the reader and causes the realization that mankind can be extremely cruel to other human beings. McMurphy is ju...

• Word Count: 742
• Approx Pages: 3

Sometimes in life people are forced to conform to a certain situation for lack of a better alternative, and this is the case in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. These such people lack the ability to stand up for their scruples, and in turn are simply guided through their mundane lives by the powers that be. Until someone comes along offering them leadership and the prospect to become "big again." The man who does so is no other than R.P. McMurphy, and Scanlon, Harding, Bibbit, and Chief Bromden may have become adjusted to the oppressive system in which they lived, but certainly were much bette...

• Word Count: 1663
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School