The Power Within Us

In the book “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” the character Randle McMurphy is the most rebellious patient in the ward which is extremely important to the narrative. McMurphy’s rebellion not only challenges the authority within the mental institution but also symbolizes a more broad idea of the struggle with conformity and authority. His actions and the consequences highlight the importance of individuality and rebellion when dealing with oppression of authority. When McMurphy first arrived at the asylum it was the beginning of a rebellion against the oppressive environment that nurse Ratched created. Him refusing to follow the rules and him standing up for other patients inspired them to reclaim their identities. On page 150(online pdf of the book) McMurphy was speaking with other patients about how they all “kiss her ass so much and bow and scrape and let her walk all over you.(pg 149)” This was his way of influencing them to rebel and not to follow the rules but while also telling them he’s going to cut back with the rebelling sense he found out nurse Rachet can keep him there. He says “ you have to swallow your pride sometimes and keep an eye out for old number one.” He sees his “battle” with the nurse ratched as a game and he wants to win. He later then thinks about it and realizes that his rebellion will help the other men in the ward find themselves and gain their confidence/pride. This realization causes him to abort his plan of following the rules and continue with his rebellious ways. McMurphy’s rebellion is compost important to the novel as it shows the significance of individuality in a society that has oppressive authority figures. His character is a representation of the struggle for personal freedom as he fights against dehumanization. McMurphys rebellion has caused the patients to realize their own worth and caused them to believe in themselves. An example of this is when McMurphy encourages Bromden to speak and stand up for himself. My drawing represents the power that McMurphy holds in this book. Although McMurphy has no real authority he holds so much power. He is able to rebel against oppression and encourage others to do so. He’s a complicated character but one thing that’s clear is that he did many things that were unselfish to help others gain something. McMurphy has the power to show others their worth and show others the truth. His unwillingness to stop rebelling even though that means he will get punished because it will influence others to help and find themselves is truly powerful. So overall my point was to show that McMurphy’s role in this story was one of the most important roles.