Option 5 - How can the novel be said to be about power and control?

Power and control are the central ideas of Ken Kesey's 'One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest'. There are examples of physical, authoritative and mechanical power in the novel, as well as cases of self-control, and control over others. Nurse Ratched is the ultimate example of authoritative power and control over others but R.P. McMurphy refuses to acknowledge the Nurse's power, and encourages others to challenge the status quo. The other patients begin powerless, but with McMurphy's help, learn to control their own lives. Many symbols are also used to represent power and control in the book, such as the 'Combine', 'fog', and the imagery of machines.

The 'Big' Nurse Ratched runs the ward in which the central characters reside in a manner that induces fear in both patients and staff. The Nurse controls almost everything in the men's lives; their routines, food, entertainment, and for those who are committed, how long they stay in the hospital . Nurse Ratched is the main example of power and control in the novel. The Big Nurse has great self-control; she is not easily flustered and never lets others see what she is th

'Never before did I realize that mental illness could have the aspect of power. Power. Think of it: perhaps the more insane a man is, the more powerful he could become' PG 185

Throughout the novel, things are referred to as machines, such as the Nurse and the Black Boys . These machines are controlled, emotionless and powerful. The Chief presents them in contrast with nature, which is beautiful, unique and comforting to him. All of the symbols used present a negative view on power and control in the book. The nurse changes time to annoy the men, The Combine is against him, and the machines are the enemy.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Nurse Ratched, Billy Bibbit, Chief Bromden, RP McMurphy, Dale Harding, McMurphy Nurse, Black Boys, Euthanizing McMurphy, Cuckoo's Nest', Patrick McMurphy, power control, nurse ratched, mcmurphy's help, own lives, flew cuckoo's, represent power control, gain control, throughout book, billy bibbit, hospital nurse, control lives, power control book, 'one flew cuckoo's, control own lives, flew cuckoo's nest',
Approximate Word count = 1058
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)