In One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey, R. P. McMurphy transforms from selfish to heroic, inspiring the other men on the ward to become happier and take back control over their lives. In the beginning of the novel McMurphy acts out of self-interest and selfishness. This is evident when he first finds out about the possibility of Shock Therapy for the first time, after talking to Harding about how complete Nurse Ratched’s control is. He says, “And I damn well don’t want to have some old fiend of a nurse after me with three thousand volts. Not when there’s nothing in it for me but the adventure.” (Kesey 72) He is not willing to risk anything if there would be no payoff for winning over Nurse Ratched. He will only do something if he gets
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Bromden narrates, “and McMurphy led the 12 of us towards the ocean” (Kesey 239). The image of a hero leading the people to freedom is very common, and in this case the archetype of the ocean symbolizes freedom. McMurphy is the hero, leading the group to freedom. At this point in the book he is now leading these activities to help them instead of for personal gain. However, he is beginning to suffer from all this exertion. As they are going back from the fishing trip, Bromden notices, “Then - as he was talking - a set of taillights going past lit up McMurphy’s face, and the windshield reflected an expression that was allowed only because he figured it’d be too dark for anyone to see, dreadfully tired and strained” (Kesey 257) He is suffering from everything that he does, but still he knows that he must put on a strong face for the men. He is their hero, so if he shows weakness they will lose hope. During this part of the book he becomes the hero the men need to lead them out from despair and …show more content…
This change is especially evident in Chief Bromden, who goes from being silent and terrified to hopeful and brave. After the fishing trip the men are all driving back to the ward and Bromden notes, “I noticed vaguely that I was getting so’s I could see some good in the life around me. McMurphy was teaching me” (Kesey 256). McMurphy is acting the part of the hero for exactly this reason, so that the men will learn to have fun and enjoy life again. It is working, as Bromden can tell. He also starts to fight back against the Combine and Nurse Ratched himself, inspired by the actions of McMurphy. After Bromden and McMurphy are sent up to the Disturbed ward and given shock therapy together, Bromden narrates what it is like after EST. In the past he has sunk back into despair afterwards, but he states, “This time I came out fighting in less than a day, less time than ever” (Kesey 289). McMurphy is coming out of EST bravely and heroically, so Bromden does too. He is finally taking the initiative and fighting back against the forces that are trying to take his life from him. McMurphy shows him that it is possible. Later, McMurphy throws a party for the men, at night when Nurse Ratched doesn’t know about it. Everyone has a lot of fun, including Chief Bromden. He marvels, “We had just unlocked a window and let it in like you let in the fresh air. Maybe the Combine wasn’t all-powerful” (Kesey
Bromden narrates, “and McMurphy led the 12 of us towards the ocean” (Kesey 239). The image of a hero leading the people to freedom is very common, and in this case the archetype of the ocean symbolizes freedom. McMurphy is the hero, leading the group to freedom. At this point in the book he is now leading these activities to help them instead of for personal gain. However, he is beginning to suffer from all this exertion. As they are going back from the fishing trip, Bromden notices, “Then - as he was talking - a set of taillights going past lit up McMurphy’s face, and the windshield reflected an expression that was allowed only because he figured it’d be too dark for anyone to see, dreadfully tired and strained” (Kesey 257) He is suffering from everything that he does, but still he knows that he must put on a strong face for the men. He is their hero, so if he shows weakness they will lose hope. During this part of the book he becomes the hero the men need to lead them out from despair and …show more content…
This change is especially evident in Chief Bromden, who goes from being silent and terrified to hopeful and brave. After the fishing trip the men are all driving back to the ward and Bromden notes, “I noticed vaguely that I was getting so’s I could see some good in the life around me. McMurphy was teaching me” (Kesey 256). McMurphy is acting the part of the hero for exactly this reason, so that the men will learn to have fun and enjoy life again. It is working, as Bromden can tell. He also starts to fight back against the Combine and Nurse Ratched himself, inspired by the actions of McMurphy. After Bromden and McMurphy are sent up to the Disturbed ward and given shock therapy together, Bromden narrates what it is like after EST. In the past he has sunk back into despair afterwards, but he states, “This time I came out fighting in less than a day, less time than ever” (Kesey 289). McMurphy is coming out of EST bravely and heroically, so Bromden does too. He is finally taking the initiative and fighting back against the forces that are trying to take his life from him. McMurphy shows him that it is possible. Later, McMurphy throws a party for the men, at night when Nurse Ratched doesn’t know about it. Everyone has a lot of fun, including Chief Bromden. He marvels, “We had just unlocked a window and let it in like you let in the fresh air. Maybe the Combine wasn’t all-powerful” (Kesey