sdryan

The obvious hero in the novel is McMurphy and how he exploits the nurse. He comes to the ward smiling from day one and slowly gains the confidence of the patients and changes them. I believe that Kesey has some other underlying goal in this novel other than telling a good story. If you look back in history you can find many people that have come into a situation and changed it forever. Take Martin Luther King for instance. He was the one strong enough to speak up for what he believed in for the civil rights movement and gained many supporters for it. Tragically he died in an assassination much like McMurphy was with the lobotomy. They had to kill him because he gained to much power for a cause that was frowned upon at that time. It was too late in both cases. McMurphy was brain dead but his point got across mych like Mr. King’s dream of a free nation. Another historical figure that comes to mind is Jesus Christ. He gained his followers (the apostles to the patients), created a disturbance, and died for what he believed in. I also think that it is funny how the Electro Shock table is is shaped like a cross and McMurphy was lobotomized on that table. Kinda, refers to the crucifixion Jesus, huh? Died for a reason.

SR