Plot: The movie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, is set in 1963 in an Oregon psychiatric hospital and follows the ongoing group sessions held by the ward supervisor, Nurse Ratched. The character, McMurphy was sent from the prison work farm to be evaluated to determine whether or not he is “ill”. The psychiatrist performing McMurphy’s initial intake, states that it is believed he is faking his mental illness in order to get out of work detail. He was sent to jail for having sex with a minor, who he claimed told him was 18. There is immediate tension between McMurphy and Nurse Ratched when he challenges her authority just by being himself as she uses her position of power to force the patients on her ward to conform or be punished. He realizes that instead of helping the patients, she is terrorizing them with the help of Nurse Pilbow and the hospital orderlies who use force to keep the patients in line.
McMurphy leads the ward on forbidden excursions, which not only undermines Ratched’s authority, but also strengthens the patients’ independence, which is antithesis of Ratched’s goals for them. The two become embroiled in a power struggle, which leads to dire consequences. …show more content…
For example, when McMurphy asks her if she would please turn down the music so the men wouldn’t have to shout to communicate, she counters that it is for the sake of the hard of hearing that the music be played at a high volume. His request is quite reasonable and valid, yet she asserts her authority under the guise of patient care and benefit to all. Her facial expression and tone of voice convey that she will not be swayed. The music playing in the ward is a symbol of oppression and foreshadows Ratched’s need to dominate the