One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Case Study

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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest - Question 1

The incident of McMurphy brushing his teeth with the soap powder and Chief Tee Ah Millatoona talking with officials on the reservation are both examples of men in positions where they should be obedient, or may be looked down upon, but are able to use their position and quick wit to get the better of their authorities. “I feel good, seeing McMurphy get that black boy’s goat like not many men could. Papa used to do it…” (Kesey, pg.94) McMurphy and Chief Tee Ah Millatoona were men who couldn't be contained by the institution and regulations that were pressed upon them. McMurphy and Chief Bromden’s father were both men Bromden felt he could look up to; men who were strong and sure of what they believed
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Just as the officials assumed Chief Tee Ah Millatoona was slow, evidenced in the officials attempts to focus his wayward thoughts, but then humiliated by the fact that all along the Chief was already referring to the contract the men wanted to discuss. This is paralleled to to the case that everyone in the ward believed Chief Bromden was oblivious to his surroundings and incapable of understanding what was going on around him. Chief Bromden and his father both broke out of the mold they were presumptuously placed in to act out for a cause in which they believed. Chief Tee Ah Millatoona laid his mask of oblivion aside to stand strong and act in a way that he could protect and benefit those besides himself. Chief Bromden acted similarly when he saw the need to support his comrades and those weaker than himself and refuse the mistreatment that was experienced in the asylum. Bromden demonstrated his clarity of thought and awareness of the present situation when he stood up for George and fought alongside McMurphy to battle the abuse that he and the other patients experienced. Chief Bromden and his father were both men with a strong sense of self-preservation, but an overwhelming drive to defend the cause of the