One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Analysis

Common as it may be, a person will view themselves differently than the people around them will. The events that occur in an individual’s life will shape a person’s general worldview, values, and beliefs. Often one may find themselves in a situation where they may have a different view than the world around them. This alternative reality can stem from a fear of change, an inability to realistically evaluate dreams, and the fear of rejection. Overcoming the fear of rejection requires one to act in a courageous manner while simultaneously allowing oneself to feel uneasy through the inevitable changes. Though difficult at times, there is value in finding a balance between how an individual perceives themselves and how others around them may perceive
Allowing others thoughts and an individual’s willingness to evaluate their illusions allows a more congruent relationship between illusion and reality to develop.

An individual’s ideology is constantly evolving and changing as one moves through life. Ken Kesey, the author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, illustrates this change through the complex interpersonal relationships between the characters. Through the flashbacks Chief Bromden has Kesey shares an insight into the Chief’s childhood and life before he was committed to the ward. Chief recalls life on the reservation where he lived with his mother and father. He paints the picture that his mother was a very controlling and imposing woman as his father took her last name and was driven to drinking by her. *find quotes*. The feelings of powerlessness and insignificance in Chiefs life may have stemmed from feeling small and inferior to such an imposing figure in his life. Not only did his mother hold a large amount of
Bibbit’s feelings of insecurity comes from the emotional control his mother had over his life. His mother’s micromanaging over his life created an emotional immaturity and childlike behaviours within him. The control his mother had over him took away his ability to regulate and understand the emotions he was experiencing. Bibbit was never able to develop a feeling a manliness and security in himself. After a suicide attempt following a broken engagement forced by his mother, Bibbit believed that he was not well enough to function in normal society. When McMurphy first meets him, he believes that Bibbit is no crazier than the average guy. *find quote* Bibbit remains trapped under his mother’s control as she maintains a close relationship with Nurse Ratched. The fear these women cause in his life is so great that it creates an uncontrolled stutter. Although resistant at first, Bibbit began to trust McMurphy after he makes them realize that Nurse Ratched is not always acting in their best interest. McMurphy believing in Bibbit allowed him to believe in himself which in turn allowed him to begin to reconcile the feelings of insignificance. As their friendship developed Bibbit began to mature and went from a place of giggling at the inappropriate sexual jokes and comments that McMurphy would make to having sex with Candy Starr. His ability to stand up to Nurse Ratched without a stutter shows his growth