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Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

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The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.In CliffsNotes on One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, you explore Ken Kesey's best-known work, one that challenges the preconceived ideas of what constitutes sanity and insanity. A mistakenly undertaken power struggle in an insane asylum results in a suicide, a murder, and a liberation, and leaves the reader with a paradoxical feeling that both disturbs and pleases.

This study guide carefully walks you through the novel by providing summaries and critical analyses of each section. You'll also explore the life and background of the author, Ken Kesey, and gain insight into how he came to write One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Other features that help you study include


Character analyses of major players
A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
Critical essays on topics like the role of women and the comparison between the film and novel
A review section that tests your knowledge
A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sites
Classic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.
    Genres

112 pages, Paperback

First published March 17,1999

This edition

Format
112 pages, Paperback
Published
December 11, 2000 by Cliffs Notes
ISBN
9780764586620
ASIN
0764586629
Language
English

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About the author

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bruce edward walker

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.5 / 5.0, 8 votes)
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8 reviews All reviews
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myrrhcat
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Cliffsnotes? Oops, I went for the unabridged version - always.

This is one of those remarkable books that closely paralleled the movie, and I relished them both to an equal extent. However, don't let that deter you from delving into the book to uncover the subtleties that were absent in the movie. The book is narrated by the half-white, half-Indian inmate, which imparts a whole new layer and dimension to the story, setting it apart from the movie. McMurphy, magnificently brought to life by Jack Nicholson, is a jovial and mischievous troublemaker. He is committed to a mental institution instead of jail and endeavors to reintroduce all of his fellow inmates to the essence of life and the art of living. His sworn adversary, the fearsome Nurse Ratched, is constantly hounding him. But McMurphy always has an alternative plan up his sleeve, ready to outwit her and continue his crusade to bring a semblance of normalcy and joy to the lives of those around him.

The story unfolds with a captivating blend of drama, humor, and poignancy, making it a truly engaging read that offers a unique perspective on the human condition within the confines of a mental institution.
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Perplexityman
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The original article: The film is a great work. It tells an interesting story and has beautiful pictures.

Expanded article:
The film is truly a remarkable work.

It presents an engaging and captivating story that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.

The narrative unfolds in a way that is both exciting and thought-provoking, taking the viewers on a journey filled with twists and turns.

Moreover, the film is visually stunning. The pictures are not only beautiful but also carefully composed to enhance the overall atmosphere and mood of the story.

Each frame is like a work of art, with vivid colors, sharp details, and a unique aesthetic.

The combination of the great story and the beautiful pictures makes this film a must-see for movie lovers.
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YDtheFoo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Pretty good.

It manages to convey everything that it desires to say without squandering a single page of writing.

The narrative is presented in a concise and straightforward manner, leaving no room for unnecessary fluff or digressions.

However, there is a certain sense of alienation in the writing.

This might seem a bit off-putting at first, but upon further reflection, it becomes clear that this was likely intentional.

After all, the story is set in an asylum for the insane, a place that is by its very nature removed from the normalcy of the outside world.

The alienating writing style serves to enhance the atmosphere of the story, making the reader feel as if they are also trapped within the walls of the asylum, experiencing the same sense of disorientation and unease as the characters within the story.

Overall, while the writing may not be to everyone's taste, it does an effective job of setting the stage and drawing the reader into the strange and disturbing world of the asylum.
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Altedekain
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Chief Bromden, the half-Indian narrator of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, has spent a decade as a patient in an Oregon psychiatric hospital.


From the very first lines of the book, one can observe his paranoia. He is constantly plagued by hallucinations and delusions. Bromden's perception of the world is shaped by his intense fear of what he refers to as the Combine. This is a colossal problem that he believes controls society and coerces people into conforming.


Despite being six feet seven inches tall, Bromden pretends to be deaf and dumb in an attempt to go unnoticed. He hopes that by remaining silent and invisible, he can avoid the clutches of the Combine and the forces that seek to control him.


His decision to feign deafness and dumbness is a coping mechanism, a way for him to protect himself in a world that he perceives as hostile and dangerous. Through his silence, he is able to maintain a certain degree of autonomy and resist the pressures of conformity.
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claire_de_lune27
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Great novel!


It was extremely well-written, with remarkable detail that made me feel as if I was truly present within the novel. The descriptive language was excellent and held my interest throughout. I chose this book because I wanted to diversify my reading and give a try to this one that initially seemed less interesting but ultimately turned out to be captivating.


The part I liked the best was when he attempts to persuade the doctor to allow them to watch the World Series. It was a thrilling moment that added excitement to the story. On the other hand, my least favorite part was when they were playing cards. I found that part a bit dull and it didn't engage me as much as the other sections.


I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy hearing interesting tales and to those who truly care about special individuals. Jeanne's quote, "His arch foe, the dreaded Nurse Ratched is always dogging him but McMurphy always has another plan," perfectly sums up the essence of the story. I wholeheartedly agree with this quote as Nurse Ratched is constantly trying to impede McMurphy and bring him down, yet he never ceases to come up with ingenious plans to overcome her obstacles!

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theroyal19
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Literary elements play a crucial role in understanding and analyzing literature. They are the building blocks that make up a literary work and help to convey the author's message, create mood, and develop characters.

By studying literary elements, students can gain a deeper understanding of how a story is constructed and how the author uses language to achieve their intended effects.

This knowledge can enhance students' appreciation of literature and improve their ability to analyze and interpret texts.

Some common literary elements include plot, character, setting, theme, point of view, and symbolism.

Understanding these elements can help students to identify the key features of a literary work and to make connections between different works of literature.

In conclusion, studying literary elements is essential for students who want to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature. It can help them to become more critical readers and thinkers, and to gain a greater appreciation for the power of language and storytelling.
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th_poodle
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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It was truly good.

In some places, it managed to lose me a little, which interestingly enough, reminded me of Hunter S Thompson. There was that element of amusing drunken babble, as if the words were flowing in a somewhat chaotic yet captivating manner.

However, what was quite remarkable was that as one continued to read on, this writer seemed to gradually sober up. The initially scattered thoughts and perhaps a touch of wildness in the writing started to take on a more coherent and focused form.

It was like watching a transformation unfold, where the initial frenzy gave way to a more composed and thoughtful expression. This made the reading experience all the more engaging and unique, as it took the reader on a journey from a state of mild confusion and entertainment to one of clarity and deeper understanding.

Overall, it was a piece of writing that had its own charm and managed to leave a lasting impression.
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WalterEgos
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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A mordant, wickedly subversive parable set in a mental ward,

the novel vividly chronicles the intense head-on collision between its hell-raising, life-affirming hero Randle Patrick McMurphy and the totalitarian rule of Big Nurse.

McMurphy, with his swaggering gait, enters the mental ward like a refreshing blast of fresh air, instantly turning the place upside down.

He initiates a gambling operation, smuggles in wine and women, and encourages the other patients to join him in open rebellion against the oppressive regime.

However, McMurphy's revolution against Big Nurse and all that she represents rapidly evolves from a mere sport into a fierce power struggle with shattering consequences.

The novel delves deep into the themes of freedom, individuality, and the fight against authority, painting a vivid and thought-provoking picture of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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