One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest

The novel ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ explores the dynamics of relationships in response to the struggle between conformity and individualism. The initial nature of the relationship between Nurse Ratched and the inmates is encapsulated by Ratched’s dominance and repressive regime, “people who try to make you weak so they can get you to toe the line, to follow their rules.” The idiom ‘toe the line’ elucidates how the ward is run under the power of Ratched and thus exemplifies the acquiescence and vulnerability of the inmates. Through Group Therapy sessions, Ratched inflicts the power of suggestion, exposing the men’s deepest insecurities to maintain submission and to abuse their group mentality, “She doesn’t accuse. She merely needs to insinuate, insinuate anything”. Displayed here is the fear felt towards Ratched, emphasised by repetition and through the syntax of truncated sentences and italics, tension is built. Ratched’s most sinister tool is manipulation and she regularly exercises this power through passive aggression, to keep the men weak and totally dependent on her, “let her victimise them into being her interrogators”. However, under the influence of McMurphy and his deliberate disobedience of Ratched’s power, the inmates begin to unearth a new, masculine identity as individuals rendering their relationship with Ratched dynamic through the change in their attitude. McMurphy becomes a prevailing figure to the men, encouraging rebellion, freedom and individualism against Ratched’s control, “...You men- Stop this. Stop!”. Through the use of italics, the word ‘men’ assumes negative connotations as a denigrating and significant insult but also symbolises a new identity for the inmates. This coincides with the repetition of ‘stop’ and its exclamation, used to convey Ratched’s desperation and loss of control to the group of men. As a result of McMurphy’s leadership, the men begin to openly question Ratched’s authority, ‘Cheswick bounced to his feet and...