October 2008
Critical commentary on pp. 214- 215 One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
This passage is taken from the end of part three, in the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. This is a significant passage for what it reveals to the reader about the development of the protagonist Randle McMurphy as well as a change in order that is displayed in this passage. For the remainder of this commentary I will explore the impact this passage has on the plot, tone, mood and characters that is exhibited in this passage.
The plot is an aspect that is developed in this passage as the characters continue to ignore authority and let go. When all broke lose on the boat the reader would expect McMurphy to come to the rescue as he has done up until this point in the novel however he did not in this situation. As a result, the boat was span out of control which caused a sense of complete madness. Until this point in the novel McMurphy has acted as a father to his peers and this is an example of what would happens when McMurphy is not present for even the shortest amount of time. Based on these observations it is safe to say McMurphy is the factor that holds this group together.