One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest
Literature of the mid twentieth century includes vast pieces of writing, many of which speak of reform. The reorganization of the United States social service system during this period of time was a highly publicized issue, one which demanded recognition from the populous. Author, Ken Kesey, relays the issue of mental health reformation in his novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Appearing in February of 1962, the book "received immediate critical and commercial success" (Ferrell 76). Thirteen years later, Milos Forman debuted the film version of the ever-popular book, casting Jack Nicholson in the lead role. The Movie went on to win the five major awards: best picture, actor, actress, supporting actor, and supporting actress. The book and movie are based on the story of one man's laughter and love; "his quest (protagonist R. P. McMurphy) is to guide this small group of mental defectives in finding the means to save themselves from a wicked ward nurse and an indifferent medical system by getting them to laugh at the absurdity of their lives and environment" (Ferrell 76). Analyzing both the movie and the critical interpretation, "A Search for Laughter" by William Ferrell, one witnesses characterization
Social justice is a topic that gained popularity with literature and movies during the mid 1900's. Ken Kesey helped to bring the topic of reform in mental institutions to an audience with his writing, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Kesey uses his main character, McMurphy to portray a man who starts off with his own personal agenda, but later realizes the gift of giving. The idea of being a savior and helping one or multiple persons to a better way of life is a concept that McMurphy handles simplicity. Analyzing the Movie and the article, "A Search For Laughter" it is evident that protagonist, R. P. McMurphy, rises above hardship and becomes a martyr for the insane. just how much of a positive effect he had on the ward. McMurhpy was the only one the Chief trusted enough to convey his secret of speech. The relationship between McMurphy and the Chief was one of true friendship and understanding. The Chief serves as a supporting character who understands the inner-workings of McMurphy; he knows well the protagonists character that he suffocates him out of love. The Chief understands that in a brain dead state McMurphy does not represent what he worked so hard to accomplish, the wards sanity. The end voyeuristically represents how the chief carries on McMurphy's dream of escape. McMurphy takes the role of a Savior by helping his fellow patients to realize they are not the insane group the system has branded them. He treats the entire ward as sane persons and through this treatment forces them to take the role of regular individuals. Initially, when McMurphy wants to play basketball he shows his fellow inmates how to play, against the guards warning. Although it takes three times on the court for them to understand they respond with smiles and laughter. Fishing is another enlightening experience that McMurphy uses to show the true sanity of the patients. Highlighting the fishing trip are the words McMurphy speaks to Martini, "What are you laughing at Martini. Your not an idiot, your not a God Damn loony, now you are a fisherman" (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest). McMurphy's rationalization about the ward members being sane is what helps the members to realize they are normal people. Pret
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1500
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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