One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Mcmurphy Summary

Words: 546
Pages: 3

The novel opens with Chief Bromden, the son of a half Indian father, giving the readers an overview of the mental institution he inhabits in. It becomes evident that Chief has been in the mental institution for ten years, and he is assumed by his fellow inmates to be deaf and unintelligent. The patients are divided into two groups known as Acutes, whose conditions are curable, and Chronics, those who will stay mentally ill forever. Nurse Ratched is introduced as a woman of strength and power who manipulates the institution and makes the place run in her desire. Chief believes that Nurse Ratched is in control of a matrix called The Combine to exert fog within the place. After Chief is forcefully shaved by the black aides, he decides to tell the truth of this institution. …show more content…
In one of the staff meetings after the series of incidents, the doctors claim that McMurphy is a dangerous man. However, Ratched claims that she is in control of his release date and therefore will continue to exert her authority. After learning about how Ratched can manipulate his sentence, he backs down from his rebellious attitude. His passiveness leads Cheswick to commit suicide by drowning in the pool, because McMurphy did not support the access of cigarettes. After learning about the Shock Shop and how conformed the patients are, McMurphy decides to bring back his rebellious behavior. He first exerts his authority by punching the window, then planning a fishing trip for the patients to come. The fishing trip is accompanied by a prostitute named Candy and Doctor Spivey. The fishing trip teaches the patients a great lesson about their individuality. Although Ratched tries to make McMurphy look like an enemy by showing his financial status, he truly cares about the patients and even defends one against the aides when they force him to receive an