'The system works, the system calls' - the social issues in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"

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‘The system works, the system calls’

By Alex Stevanovic

In Ken Kesey’s ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo Nest’ many mental conditions, emotions, and social issues are explored; the most complicated issue of these, and the strongest complaint against society is the treatment of the individual. In ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo Nest’ the individual is powerless against the system or combine and certain influential forces on the ward; Kesey uses many varied techniques to portray this and does so very effectively, at the conclusion we are left with his impression of the turmoil’s of society and the harm it an cause

Kesey uses popular culture symbolism of the 1960’s to show some of the characters attempts at decapitulation and their powerless plight. McMurphy dislikes the music in the dayroom because it reminds him of the strict uniformity of the ward and how it doesn’t change. After shocking Nurse Ratched with his whale shorts, he accompanies her retreat to the Nurse’s station with the song ‘The Roving Gambler’ to establish his style, define his character, and show his indifference to ward policy. "She took me to her parlour, and coooo-ooled me with her fan' …I lu-uhvve that gamblin' man" Similarly Chief Bromden refers to the authoritative Nurse Ratched with cartoon symbolism and mechanical imagery. The Big Nurse is often referred to as a cartoon villain, funny in her excessive frustration and hateful in her manipulation of the patients, this doesn’t show her as human so she is never sympathized with. "Like a cartoon world, where the figures are flat and outlined in black …it weren't for the cartoon figures being real guys..."

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Ken Kesey shows disgust for people in power; the prime example is Nurse Ratched who uses fear and her natural dominance to manipulate and control her patients. Using a combination of these she was able to easily put down any uprising against her totalitarian rule before McMurphy can conjure anything. Working alongside others... she is a veteran of adjusting things" The power Kesey gave Nurse Ratched in her role corrupted her into the pseudo-megalomaniac she was. McMurphy is the only patient who has the courage to voice his opinions and this could ultimately have been his down fall.

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