One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
This novel by Ken Kesey illustrates a new theme of "overcoming obstacles" while including those of past galleries. The Museum's director chose to center this exhibit on the novel for its modern intake and "truthful" perspective on the American experience. Please read the brief overview below to introduce yourself to the upcoming art.
McMurphy’s struggle to win power over the Nurse in Part 2 of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is illustrated through his actions and reactions throughout. McMurphy first appears to triumph over the nurse, yet his actions will end up causing himself more harm. By doing so, McMurphy non-intentionally gains control over the patients rather than the nurse after they witness his carefree, fearless use of manipulation and power.
McMurphy at first feels as if he has won “now that it’s known she can be made to lose control,” (Kesey 149). He therefore refuses to any work assigned to him, “but she didn’t lose control again, or even act at all like she might,” (Kesey 160). His actions, ultimately his failing fortunes, win support from other patients of the ward, as the “guys let fly at everything that happened on ward they didn’t like,” (Kesey 167). McMurphy’s actions change once he learns the nurse will forever control his stay on the ward, and he then chooses not to manipulate the nurse. This sudden twist in behavior was expected by the nurse, showing how wisely she can con the gambler himself. Although, the nurse was unprepared for McMurphy’s followers to strike back without his leadership, as they have already succumbed under his command.
McMurphy has won over the trust of most of the patients, and can control their thoughts and actions. He is a leader, and as mentioned in the introductory poem,"the only ones willing to speak up are forced to live so far beneath the radar that the underground is considered above it" (Koyczan). This becomes a reality for McMurphy towards the end of the novel. As Bromden, comes out of the fog and realizes his identity, McMurphy is punished for his planned rebellions, and is ultimately put brain-dead by Mrs. Ratched. Bromden, knowing he won't be able to live a life of freedom and individuality, kills him. Even with his death, the novel ends with Bromden's escape from the choking ward and many of the other patients decide for themselves to leave. The Individual in this case does win to an extent, yet the two forces will always compete.
For more examples of the conflict of society and the individual and how american's overcome it, continue to the next exhibit.
The art featured in this gallery was made by a man with mental dissabilites, yet what he paints claims to be completely true. In the novel, the same goes for the narrator. trapped in an institution which fills his head with fog, the narratator Bromden, overcomes the struggle of "society" and gains his freedom. This is done with the help of a new patient: McMurphy who trys to defeat the big nurse, "society", on the ward. Examine the paintings below.
In Ken Kesey's One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest each patient is fighting a battle against both Nurse Ratched and society as a whole. The Big Nurse, much like society, encourages the patients to admit their flaws and feel ashamed of them. Chief Bromden states that McMurphy is "no ordinary admission," because he does not care about society's perception of him (15). This is shown by his rugged appearance and aggressive yet silly charisma. Therefore, mentally McMurphy has won the struggle of society vs. the individual and can help others find their own strength. He does so throughout Part 2 of the book.
Notice the "fog" in both works. The fog symbolizes society's control, which is taking hold of the patients on the ward. Do you feel trapped by the fog? Could American Rebels feel this way too?
