What came first, the chicken or the egg? The allegorical question has vexed philosophers, old and new, but the chicken-and-egg dilemma has become an emblematic icon used to describe a situation characterized by a blurred line between cause and effect. Ken Kesey pondered a predicament of the sort in his novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, through the identity of his character, Chief Bromden. Namely, he explored the influence of his outwardly perceived identity, on the perception he cultivated of himself. Suspicions circulating the notion that Bromden's behaviours were a subsequent conformity to the mould his peers had created for him arose throughout the novel. Perhaps acting deaf and dumb was merely an act of submission to the standards
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Moreover, he believed himself to be extremely weak, though he had once been strong. Disregarding his true mental capacity, Bromden allowed his capabilities to be dictated by the image crafted by others and propelled by his own actions. He grew so accustomed to everyone treating him like he was invisible that he often found himself “hiding” behind the handle of a mop. The belief acted as a self-fulfilling prophecy that directed Bromden’s reality; because he believed it to be so, he was extremely weak. On the ward, Bromden was treated as if he were oblivious to his surroundings. Patients ignored his presence, deeming any awareness he might have to be negligible. Undoubtful in their belief of his disability, the other patients did not “bother not talking out loud about their hate secrets” when he was nearby, assuming him to be “deaf and dumb.” (p.12) This translated to internal feelings of insignificance for Bromden, impeding any desire toward growth.
Humans subconsciously fall into the standards that are set for them. Depicted by Kesey is the substantial impact outward perceptions have on the foundation of one’s identity. As an individual succumbs to these labels, they are further drawn in, thus confirming their outward identity. Chief Bromden did not choose to act deaf and dumb, but rather fell victim to the cagey ideal crafted for him by others. It wasn’t until he had met McMurphy that he regained the strength to break the mould, and begin reshaping the way he perceived himself and was perceived by
Moreover, he believed himself to be extremely weak, though he had once been strong. Disregarding his true mental capacity, Bromden allowed his capabilities to be dictated by the image crafted by others and propelled by his own actions. He grew so accustomed to everyone treating him like he was invisible that he often found himself “hiding” behind the handle of a mop. The belief acted as a self-fulfilling prophecy that directed Bromden’s reality; because he believed it to be so, he was extremely weak. On the ward, Bromden was treated as if he were oblivious to his surroundings. Patients ignored his presence, deeming any awareness he might have to be negligible. Undoubtful in their belief of his disability, the other patients did not “bother not talking out loud about their hate secrets” when he was nearby, assuming him to be “deaf and dumb.” (p.12) This translated to internal feelings of insignificance for Bromden, impeding any desire toward growth.
Humans subconsciously fall into the standards that are set for them. Depicted by Kesey is the substantial impact outward perceptions have on the foundation of one’s identity. As an individual succumbs to these labels, they are further drawn in, thus confirming their outward identity. Chief Bromden did not choose to act deaf and dumb, but rather fell victim to the cagey ideal crafted for him by others. It wasn’t until he had met McMurphy that he regained the strength to break the mould, and begin reshaping the way he perceived himself and was perceived by