One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: The Research Paper
Objective: The assignment is to write a research based paper on a topic of your choice.
Create an original thesis and follow the MLA format strictly. While reading the novel,
take note of theme, imagery/ symbolism, character development and our in-class
discussion. After finishing the novel you must synthesize this information into an
academic essay that sufficiently proves your thesis. There are a number of social issues
that the novel examines. This would be a good place to begin developing your thesis.
Requirements: The essay must be written in the MLA format. You must include
THREE resources other than the novel. This means accurate internet research, time in the
library and a works cited page. Look for scientific journals, critical reviews, non-fiction
books about your topic. Websites are ok, but you must make sure they are accredited.
Some Potential Ideas:

The main conflict in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is described in three
different ways: as the struggle of the "sane individual vs. a crazy institution,"
"man vs. machine," and "a primeval, wild, un-socialized, anti-family form of
masculinity vs. asexual women, institutions, and society that wants to tame it."
Discuss how these views differ from one another. Choose the theme that you
think most accurately describes the conflict in the book and explain why.

Compare Ken Kesey's concept of the Combine—as demonstrated by President
Eisenhower's policies, and corporate America's views on an efficient, wellorganized, and compliant society—with Chief Bromden's concept of the
Combine—an all-powerful, all-seeing secret group in the mental hospital, which
watches and controls everything.

During the mid-1960s Kesey and his group, the Merry Pranksters, referred to
those in their counterculture as being "on the bus." Describe what you think it
means to be "on the bus." Is this concept different in the late-1990s than it was in
the mid-1960s? Who and what in today's world are "on the bus" or "off the bus?"

Kesey states that One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest helps the reader to "question
reality" by "tearing away the fabric of what we've been told is reality and showing
us something that is far more real." Do you agree with Kesey's analysis of his
book? Select a scene or two that does or does not effectively accomplish this.

Describe Chief Bromden. Why do you think that Kesey chose him to be the
narrator of the book?

The Merry Pranksters and the Grateful Dead epitomize the rebellious generation
of the 1960s. Is there a contemporary equivalent to this phenomenon? Why or
why not? You must connect the novel to this concept.

Mental Health Practices. Compare and Contrast those presently used and those
used in the book. Focus on: Clinical Depression, Manic Depression (Bi-Polar),
Schizophrenia, OCD, Multiple Personality Disorder.

Racism? Sexism? Allegory? How does it represent the society of the times?

Democracy vs. Communism…

Freud… Psychology? Brain Research?

Imagery… Symbolism?
Brainstorm/ Notes:
Thesis-
Supporting evidence-