One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Part 2

Throughout the novel Kesey uses many different forms of writing devices in order lead the reader to information and ideas that he doesn't give forthright. In Part 2 there were a few that stood out to me that I believe are very important in order to understand the story and grasp the feelings and happenings surrounding the different characters.

First, the way Bromden describes each characters stature. When Bromden describes McMurphy he describes him as a large and strong man, far larger than himself. From the descriptions of Bromden this is clearly not true, Bromden is far larger in measurements. When Bromden describe stature the larger and stronger the person the more sane or self assured they seem to be. Bromden describes McMurphy as being so large because he is amazed by McMurphy's strength to be himself even with the pressure of the Combine on him.

Second, in the beginning of Part 2 Bromden's life is filled with fog and he only sees within the Combine, but as he begins to look up to McMurphy and his rebellion and strength the fog begins to clear. Things are beginning to change for Bromden he seems more aware and even states that he begins to think about things that he hasn't thought about in years. An important and large example of this is when Bromden looks out the window once the fog is gone and is able to see out into the countryside where the hospital is located. The things he sees and describes are beautiful and natural much different then how he describes things inside the hospital in depressing and mechanical terms, signifying a great change within himself as well as the hospital.

Third, toward the of Part 2 McMurphy reverts back to his ways of rebellion after realizing it is not worth it to follow the rules, the consequence isn't any worse then what he is already currently dealing with. McMurphy breaks Nurse Ratched's window which could signify an end to her rule and tyranny. The glass breaking is her power breaking down at the hand of McMurphy.

( I am sure there are many more I have overlooked if anyone has any more examples please respond to my post.)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Part 1

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest tells the tale of two enemies McMurphy and Nurse Ratched in the ward of a mental hospital told through the eyes of one of the patients, Bromden. Bromden seems to have little to do with the progression of the main plot and yet he is the narrator. The way in which Bromden narrators the story in my opinion adds emphasis to where the story to takes place and gives us inside information on each of the characters. While having a discussion in class many people asked why the story wasn't written in McMurphy's point of view? As confusing as it can be at times I believe this was a very good choice on Kesey's part. With Bromden as the narrator we are given a much further insight into the ward then could ever be given by McMurphy even after his stay in the ward. Brodmen's point of view also gives us insight into the mind of a "mentally disturbed" person, unlike McMurphy, who says that he is only in the ward in order to be moved from the work camp where he was previously serving his court ordered time.

Bromden gives the ward a much more difference appearance then what I believe would have been projected by McMurphy. He knows all of the ins and outs, as well as all of the people and what is done there. He also progresses as a person through the work of his flashbacks which make him appear different as you read further into the novel. In the beginning of the novel I imagine Bromden as a large quiet older man that I would cross the street to avoid because he seems scary and deranged but as the story progress Bromden has changed in my mind. After finishing Part One, Bromden seems like a regular guy someone calm and collected like someone you might know. That doesn't seem like a good explanation but that is the only way I can think to put it.