Throughout the novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, there is a well documented struggle for dominance which last up until the novels climactic moment. This struggle occurs between the novel's protagonist and hero McMurphy and the villain Big Nurse. This struggle between McMurphy and Big Nurse is represented by a series of confrontations and each of their desires to dominate over the other. It is for this reason that it can be noted that Kesey uses this struggle not only as a way to enhance the portrayl of McMurphy, but also as a method to examine deeper meanings in the novel such as, the role of a hero and a reflection on society.
             From the point in which McMurphy arrives loud and boisterous there is a sense of defiance and a challenge towards Big Nurse's domination of the mental institution. It is from than on the struggle begins between McMurphy and Big Nurse for complete domination over the hospital. By using this struggle Kesey is able to greatly enhance the portrayl of McMurphy. One thing Kesey is able to accomplish is to show McMurphy's incredible intellect ability. In creating this struggle for dominance over the hospital Kesey has McMurphy out smart and out wit Big Nurse. McMurphy is able to push her buttons whether its his demand to watch the world series on television or when he gains permission to go on a fishing outing McMurphy begins to dominate her position in the hospital. Kesey also uses the struggle to emphasize the amount of physical control Big Nurse has over McMurphy. This in turn brings out the apprehensive side to McMurphy's character to due the fact that in the back of his mind he knows at any point he could go for a lobotomy (which inevitably ends up happening). This struggle finally brings out the strong leadership and defiance characteristics of McMurphy. McMurphy, through his strong will and conviction's is able to rally the other patients in his attempt to over th...