What did Randle McMurphy do?
Randle Patrick McMurphy (April 22, 1925 – December 11, 1963) is an Irish American brawler found guilty of battery, gambling and statutory rape. He is a Korean War veteran who was a POW during the war and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for leading a breakout from a Chinese camp, but was dishonorably discharged for insubordination.
How does Nurse Ratched treat McMurphy?
Nurse Ratched has kept McMurphy on the Disturbed ward and treated him with electric shock therapy in hopes of diminishing him, but to her dismay, and as explained here by Bromden, McMurphy only grows into more of a legend for the men on the ward. In his absence, his stature continues to increase in size and strength.
What must McMurphy do to help the men?
McMurphy must assist the men that need to escape the conforming attitudes and restrictions that society is imposing on them.
What is McMurphy’s problem with the others?
McMurphy has ceased to be himself and is being forced to be what the others think he is. They can recognize themselves only through him, and he must continue to give them something to emulate.
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Did McMurphy get lobotomy?
McMurphy is given a lobotomy for his attack on Nurse Ratched. When he is returned to the ward after the operation, he is a vegetable. That same night, Bromden suffocates McMurphy with a pillow.
How is McMurphy impacted by the shock treatment?
McMurphy approaches shock therapy like a martyr, and acts unafraid because he cannot allow himself to be afraid because of his leadership position with the men. If he breaks, they break, and he knows it.
Why was McMurphy shock therapy?
McMurphy and Chief get into a fight with the orderlies in order to protect Rub-a-Dub George. They're sent to the Disturbed Ward where they undergo electroshock therapy. McMurphy becomes a small legend because he refuses to admit he was wrong, even though it means perpetual punishment with electroshock therapy.
What treatments are used in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
Everyone who works at the hospital in the movie has decided that ECT (electric shock therapy) should be used to punish unruly patients, instead of as actual treatment for schizophrenia (which used to be common) or depression (which is still fairly common).
How does McMurphy respond to the EST treatments?
Nurse Ratched tells McMurphy that he can avoid electroshock therapy by admitting he was wrong. He refuses, telling her “those Chinese Commies could have learned a few things from you, lady.” He and Bromden are sent for the treatment, but McMurphy does not seem afraid at all.
How does Nurse Ratched gain control over McMurphy?
McMurphy lunges at Nurse Ratched in an attempt to strangle her and tears her garment open, exposing her breasts to the other horrified patients. Nurse Ratched sends McMurphy to receive a lobotomy, and he is returned to the ward in a vegetative state.
How did McMurphy help the patients?
"McMurphy helps the people in the ward find their way back from the fog and return back to the real world" (Lupack). McMurphy's laughter and jokes, along with his personality, cause a great change in the patients of the ward and he helps them cure their "mental illness".
Why was Randle McMurphy in the hospital?
Spivey explores with McMurphy the reason he has been sent to the mental hospital from the prison work farm, where he was held previously. The doctor asks McMurphy whether he is faking mental illness to get out of work, and McMurphy admits slyly that he believes there is nothing wrong with his mind.
What does McMurphy say he wants to do again at group therapy?
At the next group meeting, what request does McMurphy make? He wants to change the work ward to night so they can watch the World Series.
What mental illness does Randle McMurphy have?
Each film takes up specific gendered mental illnesses – Susanna is diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, seven times more likely in women than men, and McMurphy with Anti-Social Personality Disorder, three times more likely in men than women.
What kind of therapy is Nurse Ratched using?
After undergoing brutal electroshock therapy, he quips that the next woman to take him on will light up like a pinball machine. Everything about McMurphy threatens Nurse Ratched, and the two are in immediate opposition as the forces of life and death, sanity and insanity, independence and authority.
How is mental illness represented in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
The meaning of the Cuckoo's Nest Cuckoo is slang for crazy, which, in turn, is slang for the mentally ill. One goes one way, one goes in the opposite direction, one flies over the nest, but the implication is that whoever is in the cuckoo's nest is not nourished.
Who is Randle McMurphy?
Randle McMurphy—big, loud, sexual, dirty, and confident—is an obvious foil for the quiet and repressed Bromden and the sterile and mechanical Nurse Ratched. His loud, free laughter stuns the other patients, who have grown accustomed to repressed emotions.
What does McMurphy do when he takes the group of patients fishing?
When he takes the group of patients fishing, he is like Christ leading his twelve disciples to the sea to test their faith.
What does McMurphy represent in the novel?
Throughout the entire moment of his introduction, not a single voice rises to meet his. McMurphy represents sexuality, freedom, and self-determination—characteristics that clash with the oppressed ward, which is controlled by Nurse Ratched. Through Chief Bromden’s narration, the novel establishes that McMurphy is not, in fact, crazy, ...
What is the purpose of McMurphy's sacrifice?
McMurphy’s self-sacrifice on behalf of his ward-mates echoes Christ’s sacrifice of himself on the cross to redeem humankind. McMurphy’s actions frequently parallel Christ’s actions in the Gospels. McMurphy undergoes a kind of baptism upon entering the ward, and he slowly gathers disciples around him as he increases his rebellion against Ratched.
Is McMurphy crazy?
Through Chief Bromden’s narration, the novel establishes that McMurphy is not, in fact, crazy, but rather that he is trying to manipulate the system to his advantage. His belief that the hospital would be more comfortable than the Pendleton Work Farm, where he was serving a six-month sentence, haunts McMurphy later when he discovers ...
Who is Randle McMurphy?
Fictional character biography. Randle Patrick McMurphy is an Irish American brawler found guilty of battery, gambling and statutory rape. He is a Korean War veteran who was a POW during the war and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for leading a breakout from a Chinese camp, but was dishonorably discharged for insubordination.
Who played Randle Patrick McMurphy?
Jack Nicholson portrayed Randle Patrick McMurphy in the film adaption, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He was nominated on the "Heroes" list of AFI's 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains, but did not make the final list.
What does Ratched do to Billy?
In the novel's climax, McMurphy sneaks two prostitutes into the ward to take Billy's virginity, while he and the others throw a party. Ratched catches them and threatens to tell Billy's mother—the only woman he fears more than her—which terrifies him so much that he commits suicide by slitting his throat. Enraged, McMurphy assaults her and chokes her nearly to death, but is knocked unconscious by one of the hospital's orderlies. For this, Ratched has McMurphy lobotomized, which is to be seen as a kind of castration: "If she [Ratched] can’t cut below the belt she’ll do it above the eyes". Chief Bromden, seeing what Ratched has done to McMurphy, smothers him with a pillow in an act of euthanasia, and then breaks a window to flee from the asylum, fulfilling McMurphy's wish for him to be free. Nurse Ratched, meanwhile, has been rendered unable to speak after McMurphy's assault, breaking her hold over her patients.
What is the role of McMurphy in Nurse Ratched?
McMurphy becomes ensnared in a number of power-games with Nurse Ratched. He ends up as the clear winner, reminding the other patients how to enjoy life and stand up for themselves, and persuading them to act out against Ratched's bullying.
What is the significance of McMurphy's domination of Ratched?
McMurphy's domination of Ratched is described as a heroic sacrifice, for the redemption and freedom of the men of the ward. When Ratched returns to the ward following the attack, she is bruised and fearful, and no longer has the same measure of control over her patients due to McMurphy exposing her vulnerabilities.
Who runs McMurphy's ward?
McMurphy's ward in the mental institution is run by the tyrannical Nurse Ratched, who has cowed the patients into submission. McMurphy makes it his mission to flout Ratched's regime of rules and punishment and to liberate the other patients from her grip.
Who is the manchild in Ratched?
During his short stay at the hospital, McMurphy forms deep friendships with two of his fellow patients: Billy Bibbit, a manchild who has a stutter, whom Ratched has dominated into a suicidal mess; and Chief Bromden, a selectively mute Native American. In the former, McMurphy sees a younger brother figure whom he wants to teach to have fun, while the latter is his only real confidant.
Who is Randle McMurphy?
In the movie “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” Randle McMurphy is a rather sane man who chose to be institutionalized instead of residing at a "prison farm" (1975). McMurphy is a risk taker with a vulgar mouth, endless energy, and he enjoys challenging…show more content…
Who told the court about his rape?
Up next was Ringall, who “told the court the details of his rape. Ringall was so stressed that he began to vomit and cry hysterically” (Clark Prosecutor). Under the current laws at that time sexual assault was illegal. Even if Gacy was mentally ill as the plaintiff argued, he had broken the
What is the nurse ratched in The Ward?
In the book One flew over the cuckoo’s nest, Nurse Ratched (One of the main characters) is a main factor of bringing fear into other patients. A film called The Ward there are also patients that are scared of the doctor operating on them. Both the doctor and Nurse Ratched are very alike as they put so much fear in the patients with their aggressive looks and that is why patients go from enjoying their entrance to the ward, then fearing for their lives. In the film the doctor also has a soft side which is not shown as much within the film but Nurse Ratched also has a soft side which nobody sees which means both these film and novel have a great connection within them. When people enter a mental ward for the first time they immediately become intimidated from the way they see how it looks.
Is madness bad or good?
Irrational madness can be good Being mad and acting out doesn't always come with negative outcomes.As crazy as it sounds not only bad things happen when someones mad. In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey, Randle Patrick Mcmurphy is seen as eccentric. Mcmurphy is the leader of the other patients in the ward. This madness in Mcmurphy gives the men hope throughout the novel. The irrational behavior can be judge as reasonable in many cases.
Who is Randle McMurphy?
Randle Patrick McMurphy is an Irish American brawler found guilty of battery, gambling and statutory rape. He is a Korean War veteran who was a POW during the war and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for leading a breakout from a Chinese camp, but was dishonorably discharged for insubordination.
What personality disorder did McMurphy have?
McMurphy shows many signs and symptoms of antisocial personality disorder. Several times throughout One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, McMurphy showed such characteristics. For example, twice McMurphy broke the glass in the nurses' station window when he didn't agree with Nurse Ratched's decisions (Kesey 172, 176).
What does McMurphy represent?
McMurphy represents sexuality, freedom, and self-determination—characteristics that clash with the oppressed ward, which is controlled by Nurse Ratched. Through Chief Bromden's narration, the novel establishes that McMurphy is not, in fact, crazy, but rather that he is trying to manipulate the system to his advantage.
How does Billy die in Ratched?
Billy becomes hysterical and commits suicide by cutting his throat. McMurphy attacks Ratched, ripping open the front of her dress and attempting to strangle her. Bromden suffocates McMurphy in his bed, enabling him to die with some dignity rather than live as a symbol of Ratched's power. Similar Asks.
What is Randle Patrick McMurphy's background?
Randle Patrick McMurphy is a red-haired, wild American of Irish descent. He unself-consciously engages in brawling, gambling, chicanery, and exercising his carnal nature. His primitive inclinations mark him as an iconoclast in a world that increasingly values conformity. His anti-authoritarian attitude has already caused him a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Marines, a punishment subsequent to his leading a successful escape from a Chinese prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War.
Why did McMurphy get the Distinguished Service Cross?
The fact that he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for leading an escape serves as a foreshadowing of events later in the novel , but could also serve to create a more complete understanding of his character’s motivations.
What does Harding say about McMurphy?
Harding explains to McMurphy that he has helped them regain their sanity at the risk of losing his own. McMurphy has ceased to be himself and is being forced to be what the others think he is. They can recognize themselves only through him, and he must continue to give them something to emulate.
Does McMurphy have free will?
McMurphy increasingly becomes identified with Christ, from the crucifixion on the electroshock therapy table preceded by the patient “washing his hands of the whole affair” to the echoes of the Last Supper when Billy Bibbit engages in sexual relations with Candy Starr. Like Christ, McMurphy sacrifices himself for the benefit of the group, and in doing so, he loses his free will. Chief makes it clear that McMurphy is not acting on his own when he brutally attacks Ratched, but in accordance with the wills of the other patients.
What does Nurse Ratched do to McMurphy?
Nurse Ratched has kept McMurphy on the Disturbed ward and treated him with electric shock therapy in hopes of diminishing him, but to her dismay, and as explained here by Bromden, McMurphy only grows into more of a legend for the men on the ward. In his absence, his stature continues to increase in size and strength. He becomes a powerful symbol of resistance, one that has the ability to inspire the men. As McMurphy now seems to be winning the game, Nurse Ratched decides to counter the legend with the reality of McMurphy’s destruction and send a strong message of deterrence.
Why does McMurphy think he will outsmart Nurse Ratched?
On his first day on the ward, McMurphy explains to the inmates that he is not afraid of what Nurse Ratched could do to him—even send him for electric shock—because he’s not really insane but just chose the hospital over the work farm. Because of his subterfuge, he thinks he will be able to outsmart her. McMurphy’s words show his supreme, perhaps foolhardy, self-confidence and belief that he will control his experience and emerge unscathed.
What does Bromden say about McMurphy?
Bromden comments on McMurphy’s facial expression after he returns to the ward as an empty shell after his lobotomy. This passage underscores the inhumanity of the lobotomy procedure, which steals a person’s identity but leaves the recognizable body behind. Devoid of his essence and lacking his lively, irreverent personality, Bromden and his friends can hardly recognize McMurphy. The McMurphy they once knew vanished even if Nurse Ratched has left him in the ward as a cautionary tale.
Why does McMurphy talk to the men about aborting his plan to antagonize Nurse Ratched?
McMurphy talks with the men about aborting his plan to antagonize Nurse Ratched since he found out that she can keep him in the hospital past his original sentence. At this point, McMurphy values self-preservation more than he values victory, and he sees his battle with Nurse Ratched as a game he wants to win by getting his personal freedom. However, once he realizes that his continued resistance can lead the men to rediscover themselves and their masculine pride, he changes his mind.
What is the secret of being a top notch con man?
The secret of being a top-notch con man is being able to know what the mark wants, and how to make him think he’s getting it.
Did McMurphy know better than we did?
I think McM urphy knew better than we did that our tough looks were all show, because he still wasn’t able to get a real laugh out of anybody. Maybe he couldn’t understand why we weren’t able to laugh yet, but he knew you can’t really be strong until you see a funny side to things.
Does Bromden recognize McMurphy?
Devoid of his essence and lacking his lively, irreverent personality, Bromden and his friends can hardly recognize McMurphy. The McMurphy they once knew vanished even if Nurse Ratched has left him in the ward as a cautionary tale. Previous section Chief Bromden Next section Nurse Ratched.
What mental health disorder did Randle have?
It has been a while since I read the book but I do not believe Randle had an Axis I mental health disorder. He likely had an Axis II disorder which would have been Antisocial Personality Disorder. He was charming, deceptive and had an absolute disregard for rules. Antisocial Personality Disorder is not treated as a mental health disorder by the system. If one were to adequately test inmates in medium security or higher correctional facilities, likely in excess of 90% would have Antisocial Personality Disorder. This is the disorder that brings criminals to prison.
Does a fictional character have a mental illness?
The fictional character that is described does not have a mental illness, but is malingering, or feigning a mental illness in order to avoid punishment for a crime, by spending his time in a mental institution rather than prison. So the fictional character would most likely have a “ diagnosis” of malingering, which is not a mental disorder or illness, but a term used to describe those who choose to pretend to have such symptoms to achieve some gain, such as avoiding prison, or getting disability benefits.
Can spinal muscular atrophy be ignored?
Signs of spinal muscular atrophy can be easily ignored. Look for spinal muscular atrophy symptoms.
Did Randle have an axis?
The big companies don't want you to know his secrets. The character played by Jack Nicholson in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest is of course fictional. It has been a while since I read the book but I do not believe Randle had an Axis I mental health disorder. He likely had an Axis II disorder which would have been Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Overview
Randle Patrick "Mac" McMurphy (also known as R.P. McMurphy) is the protagonist of Ken Kesey's novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1962). He appears in the stage and film adaptations of the novel as well. Jack Nicholson portrayed Randle Patrick McMurphy in the film adaptation, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He was nominated on the "Heroes" list of AFI's …
Fictional character biography
Randle Patrick McMurphy is an Irish American brawler found guilty of battery, gambling and statutory rape. He is a Korean War veteran who was a POW during the war and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for leading a breakout from a Chinese camp, but was dishonorably discharged for insubordination. He is sentenced to a fairly short prison term and decides to have himself declared insane in order to be transferred to a mental institution, where he expects to se…
Critical response
Richard Gray considers McMurphy "swaggering, bold, and with an incorrigible sense of humor" and an "authentic Irish rebel ... who offers the inmates the example and chance of independence." Further, Glen O. Gabbard and Krin Gabbard, the authors of Psychiatry and the Cinema, write that McMurphy "becomes a Christ figure for whom shock therapy is the crown of thorns and lobotomy the cross".
In other media
McMurphy has been played on stage by Jérôme Pradon, Kirk Douglas, Leonard Nimoy, Aleksandr Abdulov, Gary Sinise, Christian Slater, Shane Richie, Martin Sheen, Roman Wilhelmi, (Polish adaptation), Bernard Tapie (French adaptation), Ibrahim Amr, (Egyptian adaptation), Jeff Smith at the Performance Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1984 and Jiří Hrdina (Czech adaptation).