One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest: Symbols

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the story takes place in a
mental asylum is in itself a commentary on society. In the asylum, it
becomes highly evident that a great deal of oppression takes place.
Although a considerable amount of abuse is in the physical form, most of it
manifests itself in subtle psychological torture. The abuse that
specifically takes place is the suppression of individualism. One cannot
help but notice the same suppression of individualism to exist in society
as well. Inside the hospital, the men are expected to not only act within
strict guidelines, but to also suppress urges to express themselves. They
are limited to doing repetitive, menial tasks and are never given the
opportunity to choose their own pathways for intellectual, emotional or
physical development. If they do attempt to act other than how they are
expected to, they are punished not only by a barrage of physical abuse but
psychological torture as well. In much the same way, this exists in society.
Society forcefully encourages ...

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that McMurphey has on
the cold, lifeless operation of the asylum is visible right from his
entrance into the story. Bromden remarks that he hears "the weight of his
steps", implying that McMurphey walks with confidence and emotion. He also
mentions that McMurphey's laughter "shakes the walls of the hospital". This
is exactly why the conflict between Ratched and McMurphey is so pronounced
- his passionate and emotional nature is a threat to the mechanistic
network she has created.

The influence of the mental asylum upon the characters is
underlined when they go on a fishing trip. Symbolically, the fishing trip
is a radical departure from their normal lives. They are alone in the ...

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