One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

In an insane asylum the patients are not always insane, they are often victims of an insane system. In One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, written by Ken Kesey, unfair restrictions and rules, torturous therapies and abusive treatments from staff bring about horrifying experiences to the mentally ill. Patrick McMurphy, the book's protagonist, fights for freedom from the staff's brutality for himself and his fellow patients. They endure a cruel existence in the institution, locked up like fireflies in a jar.

The story is told through the eyes of a former indian chief, Chief Bronson. He admires Patrick McMurphy's attempts to bring the prisoners fair and humane treatment, while also trying to bring little liveliness to their daily lives. The black boys, (workers for the asylum) are instructed by the Head Nurse Ratchet to enforce awful and humiliating treatments; before all patients went to bed, they were to drink a medication that would paralyze them. This would make them urinate themselves in the night leaving them embarrassed and mortified. Unrealistic rules were put in place to keep the in-mates under their control and rule, though they said it was for their safety and protection. This is exemplified during meal times. No one was aloud to leave the cafeteria for any purpose with an exception for medical attention. Even if someone had to go to the bathroom, go to bed, has to go talk with staff members in their offices for specific reasons, they can't without being punished. Only the great Nurse Ratchet knows the reason for this rule and she will not spew it to the public. There are many more ridiculous rules and limitations enforced by the black boys,  for instance,  keeping all toiletries; toothpaste or toilet paper, under lock and key so the patients don't use them as harmful ammunition. "How does anybody use a small plastic tube of toothpaste as a weapon for harming others" said McMurphy in sheer confusion. What is most astonishing is that some of the people locked up in this asylum aren't even mental. Chief Bronson is in their but he's only half mute, unable to express what he is thinking, not emotionally disturbed in any way. Even Patrick McMurphy is not mental, though he is energetic, he has the smarts to bring everyone to realize what the nurses and black boys are doing them. He's exposing the harsh inhumane system.

This is a great book, at some points humorous, but mostly it's frustratingly unfair. It has a vey deep meaning under the surface, and that is that people must be treated fairly despite any disabilities. I enjoy reading the book because it really makes me think about each character  and what is their purpose in each scenario of the story and how it makes the book's argument stronger. Another aspect of the book I really enjoy is how McMurphy is presented with his drastic mood changes from when he first joined the asylum, to becoming the face and vocal leader of the patients. He was happy and humorous, made everyone cheer up in disturbing atmosphere in which they live, " are you the Bull-Goose-Loony" he would ask everyone. Now he is in a state of confusion and unrest, trying to both understand and change the acts of the asylum's owners. McMurphy is a great man and people should understand him and what he trying to make others aware of. Although I have not finished reading the book yet, I foresee a sad ending to Pat McMurphy, I think the Nurse Ratchet will mess with him and drive him so crazy, he will actually become mentally ill and conform rather than to wreak havoc like he once did in his attempts to make a difference, like what Big Brother did to Winston Smith in George Orwell's 1984.