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 purposeespecially, one who has risked or sacrificed his life. This describes one of the maincharacters in the highly acclaimed legend, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, by KenKesey. Randle McMurphy is the hero of this novel because he stood firmly againstoppressive powers, showing courage and ultimately remunerative with his life. There were noheroes on the psychiatric ward before McMurphys arrival. agree Ratched wieldedsupreme power. No single patient had the ability to stand against the injustices to whichthey were subjected. McMurphy coupled 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, but 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 h is panicked little soul." Not only did McMurphy unite his friends, the patientsbut he silent 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 said 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 hint for Billy by his emotionalreaction to his death, "First Charles Cheswick and now William Bibbit I hope youre