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Theme of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

            While reading One Flew over the Cuckoo's nest the theme that stood out to me the most was the theme of being constantly watched and how that pressure can control your individuality and day to day actions. Whether it is literal or figuratively the characters in the book demonstrate several scenarios of where they felt like all eyes are on them. Through real life occurrences and internal conflicts in the characters the theme of watching is ever present throughout the novel.
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             The chief describes his feeling of uncertainty of the outside world when he describes the mental institution constantly watching him go through the motions of his everyday life. A man of his stature shouldn't need to fear anything. His physicality is far greater than of any others in the institution yet he feels the need to pretend like he couldn't talk or hear. It wasn't until he established a relationship with McMurphy that he is able to break out of his quiet shell formed by the pressures of the institution. These pressures come from figures such as the big nurse who tried her best to establish a constant daily routine with no room for individuality. As he establishes a trusting relationship with McMurphy he doesn`t feel watched as closely. As he starts to develop an identity for himself, the eyes of the institution slowly switch their focus and the chief establishes a sense of self.
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             Another form of watching is seen regarding Humpy being gay. He ignores his desires and sense of individuality because it goes against societies standards. He constantly is ignoring his individuality because of the eyes of society. If he came out and expressed his feelings it wouldn't hurt anyone. However, he feels the need to conform because of how much time he spends with the other men and how closely the workers such as the big nurse are watching him. The eyes of society and authority figures contribute to depriving him of what he wants and a part of him that makes him unique.


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