The Effective Leadership of McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

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The Effective Leadership of McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

        

In the novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, written by Ken Kesey, the effective leadership of McMurphy can be clearly demonstrated in the transformation of the Chief.  McMurphy’s leadership creates a major change in Chief as the novel develops.  These changes can be seen in three main areas of the story.  First, the ability of the Chief being able to speak is due to the influence of McMurphy.  Second, Chief gains confidence and is able to come to the aide of McMurphy in the shower.  Finally, it becomes very obvious of the influence of McMurphy’s leadership over Chief when he suffocates McMurphy and escapes from the ward.

        The first time that the leadership of McMurphy is shown to influence the transformation of Chief is when Chief speaks for the first time.  “And before I realized what I was doing, I told him Thank you.” (Kesey, p. 185).  McMurphy has been able to give the Chief guidance and leadership for the first time.  Chief is developing more confidence in himself and is now able to let the words come out.  As this confidence continues to grow Chief is unable to contain himself.  He has to be silenced by McMurphy.  “Easy, easy, Chief.  Just cool it for a while.  They heard you.” (p. 188).  Chief has held all his thoughts inside for such a long time and now McMurphy has helped him to let them go free.  At this point in the novel, McMurphy opens up a window for Chief and allows him to realize that he has a chance in life and that he can stand up for himself against Nurse Ratchid and the Combine.  The window opening is symbolic to the opening of Chief’s mind.  This is due to the influence of McMurphy as he is slowly teaching Chief confidence in himself.  

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        McMurphy’s leadership can also be shown when Chief comes to his aide in the shower.  It is at this point that Chief demonstrates more self-confidence and he is beginning to stand up for himself against the Combine.  McMurphy’s personality and style appear to be absorbed into the Chief.  “So I picked him off and threw him in the shower.  He was full of tubes: he didn’t weigh more’n ten or fifteen pounds.” (p. 231).  These words spoken by Chief is evidence of his strength that he has regained.  Prior to the arrival of McMurphy, Chief felt small and weak.  Due ...

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