The concept of the Christ figure appears frequently in American literature, and Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is no exception. The interactions and experiences of McMurphy in the novel paint him as a symbol reminiscent of Christ, evidenced by the numerous direct and visual references to Christ peppered throughout the narrative.
Within Kesey's novel, McMurphy is regarded as an inspiration and role model by fellow patients which allows him to unite them in opposition to Nurse Ratched. Christ imagery is reinforced through visual and concrete references, such as the fishing trip where McMurphy joins twelve other patients, reminiscent of Jesus and his disciples. Despite this, there is a sense of betrayal from the patients towards McMurphy. To assert control over him, Nurse Ratched directly confronts him and seeks to create discord between the patients a
...nd their messiah.
In the text, it is suggested that some mentally ill patients are easily swayed by the assertion that McMurphy is a money-hungry con artist. There is also a reference to a cross-shaped table used for administering shock therapy, which is likened to the crucifixion of Jesus. McMurphy endures significant suffering during these procedures, mainly for the benefit of his fellow patients, and his various punishments are often related to his attempts to help them. Throughout the novel, many of the patients stand behind McMurphy in his escapades.
By enabling him to oppose the nurse, McMurphy improves the lives of the mental patients. The nurse exercises unfair and corrupted voting procedures to exert her power and prevent McMurphy from changing the schedule to watch baseball games during the World Series week, even though patients are not allowed to watch
it. However, McMurphy challenges her authority by pretending that the World Series is visible on the blank television screen. The patients' collective actions demonstrate their trust in McMurphy rather than in the institution.
Despite the apparent failure of the patients to achieve their primary goal, their true victory lies in their collective resistance against Nurse Ratched. The journey on the fishing boat exemplifies the way the patients support McMurphy's rebellion, even after he charged them for it. Together, they defy the institution, demonstrating their admiration for McMurphy and his cause. Although McMurphy is aware that the nurse will likely punish the twelve other patients harshly for falsely leaving the ward with a prostitute, he still takes the risk to help his "disciples."
Ultimately, the patients showed their support towards McMurphy’s party on the ward where he provided alcohol and two prostitutes. The chief aim of the event was to help Billy Bibbit, a patient with low self-esteem, to go out with Candy, whom he had a liking for. The incident exemplifies McMurphy’s willingness to take risks for the benefit of others and how the patients backed him for his actions. Thus, McMurphy's charisma, Kesey's imagery, and his dedication to aiding patients under any circumstance solidify his role as a savior. Similar to Christ, McMurphy selflessly endures hardships to improve humanity's situation.
The impact that an individual can have on society is demonstrated in the story of McMurphy.
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