In literature, heroes are born from the most unsuspecting people. Most specifically, in the Bible Jesus Christ is the central figure who saves people and defies the norms of society in the process. What sets him apart from the majority of archetypal literary heroes is his humble beginnings. Jesus’ humility, love for others, and good works help him form a following of disciples and adversaries. His disciples, enlightened by Jesus’ Word, emulates his way of life. While Randall McMurphy is less than holy, in Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, this protagonist is depicted as a “savior” and inspires a group of mentally ill patients to imitate his way of life. Kesey successfully portrays Randall McMurphy as a heroic Christ figure
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He is unabashedly an alcoholic, brags about womanizing, encourages gambling, yet his initial entrance into the ward shows his savior-like qualities. His laughter - the first heard in years at the ward - is indicative of the human spirit. The minute Chief and the rest of the patients hear his laughter, McMurphy begins his mission. Kesey’s first reference to Christ is when the chronic patient Ellis is introduced. McMurphy sees Ellis “nailed against the wall in the same condition they lifted him off the table for the last time, in the same shape, arms out, palms cupped” (Kesey 16). The crucifixion metaphor is reiterated again when Harding explains electroshock therapy to McMurphy, saying, “You are are strapped to a table shaped ironically, like a cross, with a crown of electric sparks in place of thorns” (Kesey 69). The repetition of the metaphor establishes that it is not coincidental but that Kesey is trying to tell the reader the importance of it and foreshadow what McMurphy will eventually …show more content…
It should be noted that he is in no way saying McMurphy is Jesus - their martyrdoms have have different meanings and should be respected - but that there is a parallel between the two stories. Kesey’s allusions to Jesus Christ and the Bible is mainly to juxtapose how two people with contrasting personalities can make a difference in people’s lives. McMurphy teaches his disciples to break out of their shells and do something with their situation instead of being idle. While his plan to save the patients resulted in sacrificing himself, he leaves a lasting presence in the psychiatric ward and in the lives of the
He is unabashedly an alcoholic, brags about womanizing, encourages gambling, yet his initial entrance into the ward shows his savior-like qualities. His laughter - the first heard in years at the ward - is indicative of the human spirit. The minute Chief and the rest of the patients hear his laughter, McMurphy begins his mission. Kesey’s first reference to Christ is when the chronic patient Ellis is introduced. McMurphy sees Ellis “nailed against the wall in the same condition they lifted him off the table for the last time, in the same shape, arms out, palms cupped” (Kesey 16). The crucifixion metaphor is reiterated again when Harding explains electroshock therapy to McMurphy, saying, “You are are strapped to a table shaped ironically, like a cross, with a crown of electric sparks in place of thorns” (Kesey 69). The repetition of the metaphor establishes that it is not coincidental but that Kesey is trying to tell the reader the importance of it and foreshadow what McMurphy will eventually …show more content…
It should be noted that he is in no way saying McMurphy is Jesus - their martyrdoms have have different meanings and should be respected - but that there is a parallel between the two stories. Kesey’s allusions to Jesus Christ and the Bible is mainly to juxtapose how two people with contrasting personalities can make a difference in people’s lives. McMurphy teaches his disciples to break out of their shells and do something with their situation instead of being idle. While his plan to save the patients resulted in sacrificing himself, he leaves a lasting presence in the psychiatric ward and in the lives of the