Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Essay

I. Introduction The book One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest is the result of Ken Kesey’s own experience during his work in mental institution in late 1950s. This book reflects the themes of individuality and rebellion of that time that include protest against conformity. It is the story of one small rebellion that was successful through a big sacrifice. The book is largely symbolic and many characters and things in it are allegoric. II. Body Rebellion is the major theme in the book. It is shown as a confrontation between protagonist Randle McMurphy and antagonist Nurse Ratched. Before McMurphy entered the ward, it was the small structured society of mentally ill patients ruled by powerful Nurse Ratched who weakens them by psychological manipulation. There is no chance that anybody would defy her. After the arrival of McMurphy the situation changed dramatically because this patient is sane and has a strong personality. The figure of McMurphy is symbolic in the way how he sacrificed himself to let the patients realize who they are and regain their spirits. The narrator of the story, Chief Bromden, realizes that he is not weak and breaks free from the ward. McMurphy is compared to Christ in many ways: he is sacrificed, crucified on the table with electroshock; he gathers disciples around him and arranges the fishing trip as Christ who led his twelve disciples to the sea to test their faith. III. Conclusion The book has made a big impression on me in the way how individuality is confronted with the submission and conformism. It teaches rebellion against humiliation of human nature. However, I dislike the author’s view of women as the castrators of men in this book. Nurse Ratched is portrayed as a horrible creature who has no feminine features about her. I liked the figure of prostitute Candy, although she is shown only as the means to relieve Billy Bibbit. Having many symbols and allegories, this book makes us think and not only entertain ourselves.