Suicide In Ken Kesey's One Flew Over The Cuckoo

Suicide, at this time, was considered a cowardly move, something a Prince or a hero should never consider. We relate to the dark heart, sense of loss, and pain experienced by Hamlet. He is trapped in an unsettled mind with no escape. He is a Prince, but he feels pain like every other man.
Hamlet is in a constant battle with his inner demons. “Instead of growing from a difficult situation and overcoming obstacles, like a true hero would, Hamlet is [stuck in a cycle of grief and despair.] Heroes by definition are brave, upstanding, and selfless; yet Hamlet does not have these qualities” (Allred). His dark side consumes his being. His relationship with Ophelia is another factor of Hamlet the anti-hero. He does not embrace her or profess his love
Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest written in 1962, introduces us to Randall McMurphy. He too struggles with inner demons and mental illness. He is not found in a castle, but psychiatric ward which represents a microcosm of American society in the 1960s. McMurphy gambles, swears, and makes sexual remarks, all in which are forbidden. His defiance symbolizes a spark for change creating a ripple effect. McMurphy refuses to cooperate with the rules in his enclosed society. Much like Hamlet, McMurphy battles those in power. His fight is however is against Nurse Ratched not a murderous step father. He takes on a leadership role in the oppressive environment of the ward. He inspires his fellow patients to stand up for themselves by calling out their weakness and insulting their manliness. “Why then, I'll just explain it to you.” McMurphy raises his voice; though he doesn't look at the other Acutes listening behind him, it's them he's talking to. In this time period, the American society was filled with a passion for change, at the same time it fought fiercely against it. McMurphy fought for justice on the ward and for having a voice. He fought against the authority that tried to control him and limit his passion for life. He influenced the lives of people who were being oppressed by the authorities and rebelled by speaking out to preach a new way of life. He offered hope in a time of despair. At the same time he was deemed mentally unfit to be a part of regular society. McMurphy speaks to all who feel they do not fit in that they may possess a difference from others around