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Manipulation In One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

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Author Ken Kesey, in his novel One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, exemplifies that people can be both mentally and psychically manipulated. He supports his claim by first using examples, then using analysis, and finally using rhetorical questions. Kesey’s purpose is to enlighten the reader in order to exemplify the idea that everything is not always what it seems. He adopts a dark tone for the reader. In, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, people are manipulated through fear. A prime example of this is Nurse Ratched. The first time the reader sees Nurse Ratched’s manipulation is through her use of fear. “The Big Nurse recognizes this fear and knows how to put it to use; she’ll point out to an Acute, whenever he goes into a sulk, that you boys …show more content…

“At sea, away from the restraints of Nurse Ratched they follow the lead of McMurphy” (Elaine B., It’s the Truth Even If It Didn’t Happen). When the men are away from Nurse Ratched they still need to follow the lead of someone; rather than doing something from their own mindset. This shows how Nurse Ratched’s manipulation has hindered the men’s inability to do something for themselves. Another example of the longterm effects of manipulation is that none of the men actually want to leave the ward. “As a matter of fact, there are only a few men on the ward who are committed. Only Scanlon and—well, I guess some of the Chronics. And you. Not many commitments in the whole hospital. No, not many at all” (Kesey, 436). This reveals that after constant manipulation the victims brain is traumatized and is left with an ability to find change. Lastly, most men in the ward find Nurse Ratched to be scary and something to be reckoned with. The fear of Nurse Ratched causes the men to see most women as scary monsters and something to be hated. For example Harding is revealed to have many problems with his wife. “Touch upon the—subject, Mr. McMurry, the subject of Mr. Harding’s problem with his wife” (Kesey, 436). This quote reveals how Nurse Ratched’s manipulation has effected the victims views on women. Mental and physical manipulation can cause …show more content…

In, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, mental and physical manipulation is portrayed in a variety of ways. These manipulations cause victims severe disadvantages that can not be cured. Ken Kesey chose to use these examples to enlighten the reader that everything is not always what it seems. Kesey caused the reader to analyze every situation and character; causing them to better understand the circumstances. The victims of mental and physical manipulation live with serve consequences, as shown in Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s

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