Notes Day 5

Notes Day 5

For the warm up, we discussed how Bromden always references everything to a machine. The combine made him a machine and this is his way of showing us the world the way he sees it. George leading the boat really showcased his strength. All of the patient got their time to shine. For example, George leading the boat, Jimmy sleeping with one of the girls, etc. It also brought light to the fact that McMurphy doesn't necessarily have all the confidence he portrayed. This allowed everyone else to have a turn. It was finally something McMurphy didn't do for himself. The fishing trip really changed the men because it brought out their independence. They realized that they were able to stand on their two feet outside of the hospital. We had a side discussion of how the men first acted around civilization at the gas station. It was an interesting contrast between the beginning of the day and the end. Set aside the money, McMurphy eventually was able to prioritize different things like helping the patients. In the beginning  everything was a game to him. He used power to get his way and had a "oh I can beat this", selfish attitude. However as he grew close with some of the other patients, he gained sympathy and realized he needed to do it for all the hopeless guys. He showed great character development in this novel.   Bromden being in the disturbed ward connects to the title. He was definitely flying over the cuckoos nest in that part. They threw all the pills around as a sign of rebellion. The pills represented structure that was out of their control and throwing them was a big 'screw you' to all authority. We determined that the laughing has become  a reoccurring motif throughout the novel. at this particular part, it was comfort. They were free from power when they laugh because laughing is merely a body function yet it symbolizes freedom in the ward and happiness. We discussed how a lot of people suspected Bromden to talk and when he did, everyone was too wrapped up in the moment to make a big deal of it. We were all crushed when Billy died, it was definitely one of the hardest parts to read for all of us. Although, after discussing, we determined it was for the best. Billy died at one of his happiest moments and he was never going to be that happy again. It is us refers o us as society. Society ultimately determines who is crazy. McMurphy's death symbolized strength in Bromden to carry through with everything they had worked towards. McMurphy's spirit will follow Bromden and the ward. Everything that happened was for the best. For the wrap up activity, we discussed how the book would not have been as powerful if McMurphy stayed as a potato and everyone else rotted in the ward. It ultimately showed victory over Nurse Ratched. After a lot of deep thinking about the complication of endings, we determined we all enjoyed the book. :)