One flew Over the Cuckoo's Nes

             One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey
             Option 5 - How can the novel be said to be about power and control?
             Power and control are the central ideas of Ken Kesey's 'One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest'. There are examples of physical, authoritative and mechanical power in the novel, as well as cases of self-control, and control over others. Nurse Ratched is the ultimate example of authoritative power and control over others but R.P. McMurphy refuses to acknowledge the Nurse's power, and encourages others to challenge the status quo. The other patients begin powerless, but with McMurphy's help, learn to control their own lives. Many symbols are also used to represent power and control in the book, such as the 'Combine', 'fog', and the imagery of machines.
             The 'Big' Nurse Ratched runs the ward in which the central characters reside in a manner that induces fear in both patients and staff. The Nurse controls almost everything in the men's lives; their routines, food, entertainment, and for those who are committed, how long they stay in the hospital . Nurse Ratched is the main example of power and control in the novel. The Big Nurse has great self-control; she is not easily flustered and never lets others see what she is thinking or feeling. Rather than accusing the men of anything, she 'insinuates' . Although she isn't physically larger than the 'small' nurses, The Chief describes Nurse Ratched as 'Big' because of the power she holds – this presentation of size is used for many characters.
             Once McMurphy attacks the nurse and exposes her breasts and thus her sexuality – which she has always tried hard to conceal – she loses control over the ward and ultimately loses the ongoing battle between herself and McMurphy.
             Randle Patrick McMurphy is a loud-mouthed, defiant and unpredictable man. He has power
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One flew Over the Cuckoo's Nes. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 17:13, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/37071.html