Examples Of Marxism In One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

In modern society, being useful and functional to a community validates one’s sanity, and determines one’s status quo. The more an individual participates in society, the higher their position and recognition in society. This is made possible by modern culture’s distinctive economic infrastructure. Similarly, the setting of Ken Kesey’s renowned novel - One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest - instills the traditional capitalistic expectations on society’s subjects. A Marxist interpretation of the novel leads to a better understanding of the setting’s inner workings and lends meaning to the actions of the characters. The novel takes place in a psychiatric facility in Oregon during the 1950s. The story is from the perspective of Chief Bromden, a hospital

Through Nurse Ratched, Cuckoo's Nest reveals the underlying tyranny of the Proletariat by the Bourgeoisie. As the power imbalance grows, the author unveils the actual face of Nurse Ratched and helps readers grasp the novel's power dynamics. After a brief expression of rebellion by McMurphy, the picturesque mask of Nurse Ratched falls off as she yells, “You’re committed, you realize. You are… under the jurisdiction of me… the staff.’... ‘Under jurisdiction and control’” (144). At this point, she displays her authority to the other patients by commanding them to observe her regulations. The terms "jurisdiction" and "control" in this sentence refer to Miss Ratched's power. The way of her discourse further demonstrates how oppressive her personality is. She tries to assert her power by declaring, "You are under my jurisdiction." despite the fact that she is a nurse who is supposed to preserve and improve the patients' quality of life. Instead she chooses to assert her authority over them and retain a tight leash around their necks. Nevertheless the chain of subjugation by Ratched becomes dismissive as McMurphy makes his presence known in the Combine. At every turn whenever there is something that McMurphy disagrees with he expresses his displeasure blatantly and offensively. Furthermore, McMurphy suggests changes in the Combine that

However, Kesey protests against this archaic foundation of society and perpetuates his vision through characters like McMurphy who breaks through the quintessential expectations of society. Nevertheless, a Marxist perspective of the novel allows readers to gain a better understanding and experience the inner workings of the novel. It enables them to discern the power imbalance in society caused by stratified social classes formed as a result of the allocation of power and authority. The novel demonstrates that when one group has influence over authorities, the weaker group is inevitably persecuted. Hence, power should not be concentrated in the hands of a single party. Furthermore, the readers are able to perceive manners of alienation within literature and society. The sense of exclusion from society is detrimental to an individual’s mental health and causes them to self-isolate themselves from society. Lastly, the central themes of Marxism which entails: oppression of the Proletariat by the Bourgeoisie, and the resistance against authority are expressive throughout the novel. It overviews the underlying power dynamics perpetuated within the novel and allows the reader to empathize and resonate with the characters. Nonetheless, Cuckoo's Nest teaches not to be passive in the face of power and to