One Flew East, one Flew West: An Introduction to the Novel one Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest

Society has a way of destroying the natural order of the world and its people, whether that is nature itself or the personalities of their fellow humans. Evidence of this destruction is anywhere one could look. Overpopulation and pollution teems this planet, just like harassment and discrimination. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest demonstrates this power society holds over those who are different in nature. Bromden, for example, was silenced by so many around him because he was of a different race. He became quiet because people began to pay no attention to him on a regular basis. This happens to McMurphy as well. Throughout the entire novel, he tries to fight for his individuality that the staff on the ward was fighting so hard to demolish. Something unique and different is seen as evil and a threat to mainstream society and they will suppress those who they feel endangered by.

Near the end of the novel McMurphy asks the question, “Harding, what is it? What happens?” Harding later answers, “It is us.” McMurphy asks this question because he is confused about what drives a person to insanity or brings them to a mental hospital. Harding tells McMurphy that “It is us” that brings them to this situation. Harding means that society is not to blame for their place on the ward, but it is themselves (Kesey 265). It may seem that those in a mental hospital are forced into an institution because of the shame and guilt put on them by society; however, as Harding suggests, it is the reaction and thoughts that are produced by the patients themselves that drives them to the mental institutions. The patients on the ward are there because they allow society’s comments get to them. Society’s remarks bring the patients to a point where they feel they cannot be who they truly are; therefore society destructs the nature of those who are different by devastating the unique from the inside-out by damaging their psyche first.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest carries the theme of society’s wrong doing to the unique as well as aspects found in other works. For example, in Catcher in the Rye, one could find connections and similarities in McMurphy and Caulfield. Both are witty, smart and sarcastic outsiders who feel the need for change. Although, McMurphy was the only one who took actions on his thoughts of this change. Holden also resembles Bromden for Holden said, “I thought what I’d do was, I’d pretend I was in one of those deaf-mutes. That way I wouldn’t have to have any goddam stupid, useless conversations” (Salinger 198). In the same way, Holden wants to leave his social life behind and avoid discussion, Bromden acts as if he was a “deaf-mute” to live a somewhat peaceful life in the ward without being troubled. Another similarity between the two novels is the style of writing used by Salinger and Kesey. For the most part, the word choice for both pieces is bland, but still has a deeper meaning. To read each book takes