One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey :: essays research papers

One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest - HeroA hero is considered to be any man noted for feats of courage or nobility of social functionespecially, one who has risked or sacrificed his life. This describes one of the maincharacters in the highly acclaimed novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, by KenKesey. Randle McMurphy is the hero of this novel because he stood firmly against heavy powers, showing courage and ultimately paying with his life. There were noheroes on the psychiatric ward before McMurphys arrival. Nurse Ratched wieldedsupreme power. No single longanimous had the ability to stand against the injustices to whichthey were subjected. McMurphy united these patients. He gave them collective courageand a sense that they could resist their persecutor. For example, Harding states, "No onesever dared to come out and say it before, hardly theres not a man among us that doesnt thinkit. That doesnt feel just as you do about her and the whole business-feel it somewheredown deep in his scared little soul." Not only did McMurphy unite his friends, the patientsbut he understood the enemy, the staff. He recognized the ultimate authority andoppressive power of those in charge of the psychiatric ward. He also knew that to resistthem would put himself at great personnel risk. McMurphy, however, took the risk anddefended his fellow patients. For example, McMurphy says to the black boy who isharassing George, "I verbalise thats enough buddy." McMurphy knew this confrontation wouldhave harsh consequences, but he took the chance. In fact McMurphy took one too manychances. This heros end comes when he lashes out at nurse Ratched, blaming her for thedeath of Billy Bibbit. McMurphy demonstrated his feeling for Billy by his emotionalreaction to his death, "First Charles Cheswick and now William Bibbit I hope youre