Literature of the mid twentieth century includes vast pieces of writing, many of which speak of reform. The reorganization of the United States social service system during this period of time was a highly publicized issue, one which demanded recognition from the populous. Author, Ken Kesey, relays the issue of mental health reformation in his novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Appearing in February of 1962, the book "received immediate critical and commercial success" (Ferrell 76). Thirteen years later, Milos Forman débuted the film version of the ever-popular book, casting Jack Nicholson in the lead role. The Movie went on to win the five major awards: best picture, actor, actress, supporting actor, and supporting actress. The book and movie are based on the story of one man's laughter and love; "his quest (protagonist R. P. McMurphy) is to guide this small group of mental defectives in finding the means to save themselves from a wicked ward nurse and an indifferent medical system by getting them to laugh at the absurdity of their lives and environment" (Ferrell 76). Analyzing both the movie and the critical interpretation, "A Search for Laughter" by William Ferrell, one witnesses characterization in full bloom. The story reveals R. P. McMurphy as Savior for the ward; he leads the mental patients to sanity and ultimately sacrifices his own life for the inhabitants in the insane asylum.
             McMurphy takes the role of a Savior by helping his fellow patients to realize they are not the insane group the system has branded them. He treats the entire ward as sane persons and through this treatment forces them to take the role of regular individuals. Initially, when McMurphy wants to play basketball he shows his fellow inmates how to play, against the guards warning. Although it takes three times on the court for them to understand they respond with smiles and laughter. Fishing i...