A Comparison Of Hamlet And McMurphy In "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"
It is suggested that in modern literature, the true element of
tragedy is not captured because the protagonist is often of the same social
status as the audience, and therefor, his downfall is not tragic. This
opinion, I find, takes little consideration of the times in which we live.
Indeed, most modern plays and literature are not about monarchs and the
main character is often equal to the common person; this, however, does not
mean the plot is any less miserable nor the outcome any less wretched. The
first work I have chosen proves this fact. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,
a first novel by Ken Kesey published in 1962, is a contemporary tragedy
describing the downfall of a rigidly ...
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of anti-heroes in tragedy, and how this
relates to the characters of R.P.McMurphy and Hamlet, an analysis of the
motivation of each is necessary. Motivation is the source of all action,
and only in this area these two characters similar to a traditional
protagonist. As the character himself evolves through the course of the
plot, so do their motives. Hamlet and McMurphy begin at different points
with different purposes, but soon meet with a common incentive. For Hamlet,
this initial impulse is derived from his embitterment towards his mother
for remarrying so soon after his father's death and for selecting her late
husband's brother Claudius, as her second partner. In a witty statement to
his closest friend Horatio, he expresses his indignation; "The funeral
baked meats/ Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables." Entirely
unrelated, is McMurphy's need to be "top man". This is the original
driving force that inspires him to challenge Nurse Ratchet, the antagonist,
for ...
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got that same puzzled look on his face like there's something isn't
right, something he can't put his finger on." The turning point arrives as
Ratchet decides to take advantage of McMurphy's subdued state, and reclaim
her exclusive access to the "game's room". The room is symbolic of her
power of the whole ward, and her sly manipulation of them all. McMurphy
realizes this with her attempted repossession, and thus the revenge begins.
It is apparent to him what is occurring to the patients and to himself; he
will no longer allow it to continue:
"The iron in his boot heels cracked lightening out of the tile. He was the
logger again, the swaggering gambler, the big redheaded brawling ...
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A Comparison Of Hamlet And McMurphy In "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest". (2005, April 18). Retrieved November 22, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Comparison-Hamlet-McMurphy-One-Flew-Over/25569
"A Comparison Of Hamlet And McMurphy In "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 18 Apr. 2005. Web. 22 Nov. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Comparison-Hamlet-McMurphy-One-Flew-Over/25569>
"A Comparison Of Hamlet And McMurphy In "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"." Essayworld.com. April 18, 2005. Accessed November 22, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Comparison-Hamlet-McMurphy-One-Flew-Over/25569.
"A Comparison Of Hamlet And McMurphy In "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"." Essayworld.com. April 18, 2005. Accessed November 22, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Comparison-Hamlet-McMurphy-One-Flew-Over/25569.
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