PSYB3: MOOD DISORDERS AND
SCHIZOPHRENIA
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Ken Kesey wrote ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ in 1962
and is based largely on his experiences with mental patients.
The story is set on a mental ward in a psychiatric institution.
The patients of the ward are intimidated and repressed by
the emasculating Nurse Ratched, who represents the
oppressive force of modern society. When Randle McMurphy
arrives as a transfer from the Pendleton Work Farm, his
difference in personality and attitude is immediately
noticeable. McMurphy swaggers into the ward and
introduces himself as a gambling man with a zest for women
and cards. After McMurphy experiences his first Group
Meeting, he tells the patients that Nurse Ratched is a ‘ballcutter’. The other patients tell him that there is no defying
her, because in their eyes she is an all-powerful force.
McMurphy makes a bet that he can make Ratched lose her
temper within a week.
Through the conflict between Nurse Ratched and McMurphy,
the novel explores the themes of individuality and rebellion
against conformity. Kesey was also directing criticism at
American institutions.
The film we will now watch serves as a useful introduction to
our unit on Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia as it allows
you to consider the nature and treatment of psychological
disorders.
You will be given questions to answer as you watch.
Questions on the film
What are your first impressions of the hospital – add to this description as the film
progresses
What activities are the staff carrying out?
Describe ‘medication time’
R. P. McMurphy arrives – what is he ‘in’ for?
Dr Spivey tells him that he needs ‘to be evaluated’ – why is it seen that he has a need
for this?
What do you think about this and McMurphy’s explanation?
What comment can you make about Dr Spivey’s approach?
NURSE RATCHED
What are your first impressions of her?
Do these impressions change?
MEETINGS:
What form do these take?
Patients’ reactions to them?
Do they appear to be helping? Explain
What happens when the confrontations begin?
Nurse Ratched uses the phrase ‘making progress’ about some of the discussions in
these meetings – do you think they are? Explain
Harding calls McMurphy a ‘lunatic’ for turning the shower hose on them. What do
you think about what he did?
What happens at the second vote to change ‘ward policy’? Who wins? Explain
In a later meeting with Dr Spivey, McMurphy uses a very offensive term about
Nurse Ratched – what do you think about this?
When asked about his feelings he says ‘like I wanted to kill’ – does this justify his
place in the institution?
Did the men gain anything from McMurphy’s day trip?
Does Nurse Ratched have misguided intentions for wanting McMurphy to stay in the
ward?
Explain the difference between ‘voluntary’ and ‘committed’.
Bromden, McMurphy and Cheswick are taken for ECT – describe this treatment.
Did any of the three really require ECT?
After the evening’s illicit entertainment on the ward, why do you think that
McMurphy did not make a quick getaway?
Who is responsible for what happens to Billy? Explain
Explain McMurphy’s violent reaction towards Nurse Ratched
What two significant events happen to McMurphy at the end of the film? Were they
justified?
What issues does this film make you consider?
AFTER WATCHING THE FILM
One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Being sane in insane places – is McMurphy ‘mad’?
What issues does the film make you consider about the nature and treatment
of mental disorders?
Would you recommend the film to others? Why?
Look up study by Rosenhan (1973) – ‘Being sane in insane places’ and make
notes.