THEMES




The final assessment for One Flew Over the
Cuckoo’s Nest is a group presentation.
Each group will choose a theme from the novel.
Each group will create a PowerPoint/Prezi/Video
presentation to demonstrate how the theme
connects to the novel as well as how it connects
to real life.
Each group will lead the class in a discussion
which will help the class think in depth about the
themes.
 More information forthcoming!!!
Here
are some
ideas!
“This sounds real. I realize
all of a sudden it’s the first
laugh I’ve heard in years”
(12).
“’…but the rest of you are
even scared to open up and
laugh…Man, when you lose
your laugh you lose your
footing’” (70).
How does McMurphy bring
laughter back into the ward?
Why is this so important to
the patients? To the novel?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81NeQJWG
YJY
“’Don’t overlook the
possibility that this man
might be feigning psychosis
to escape the drudgery of
the work farm’.”
“’Doctor…do I look like a
sane man?’” (47).
What does it mean to be
sane? Insane?
Can these terms be defined
by characters in the novel?
“Now he’s nailed against the
wall in the same condition they
lifted him off the table for the
last time, in the same shape,
arms out, palms cupped, with
the same horror on his face”
(16).
“You are strapped to a table,
shaped, ironically, like a cross,
with a crown of electric sparks
in place of thorns” (69).
“I believe if he were sent to
Disturbed now it would be
exactly what the patients
would expect. He would be a
martyr to them” (157).
The fishing trip in part 3.
Fishing + 12 people go.
What is the
symbolism of the
cross?
What is a martyr?
How might
McMurphy be a
Christ figure?
Are people inherently
good or evil?
Does McMurphy have
good/evil intentions?
Does the nurse have
good/evil intentions?
What is the point of
the Group Therapy
sessions? Are they
used for good/evil?
“…I know she’s just
waiting to get enough
evidence to have some
guy reconditioned at the
Main Building…” (15).
“The Big Nurse
recognizes this fear and
knows how to put it to
use…” (18).
What ultimately causes
the men to feel free?
Why choose a woman
to be in control of the
ward? (matriarchy)
How does McMurphy
gain control? Does
this lead to freedom?
Is the tight schedule of
the ward/control of
the patients like
society?
“Year by year
she
accumulates
her ideal
staff…That’s
her doctor”
(29).
“…everyone…must follow
the rules” (25).
“The Big nurse tends to
get real put out if
something keeps her
outfit from running like a
smooth, accurate,
precision-made machine”
(28).
Independence vs. Conformity
Physical vs. Moral
Courage/Strength (SIZE
symbolism)
The Combine/Machines
Choices