Mcmurphy Character Analysis

A broad range of literature depicts the lead protagonist as an honorable, selfless and courageous character, despite difficulties, bound to succeed in what they pursue. These common traits define the archetypeyl hero. However these characters contain no flaws and nothing representing the 'human condition' therefore appearing alien like towards their audience . The Anti-hero contains heroic morals, but is plagued with flaws that often lead to the characters downfall. They are considered highly relate-able and appealing towards their audience due to the features of the ‘human condition’. Famous examples of anti-heroes are present in the first known forms of literature with Achilles In Homers Iliad. Where as a Modern Anti-hero is seen in the classic western film A Fistfull of Dollars’ with the

Although courageous in battle, Achilles rage leads to his absence in the next battles his lack of participation has the direct result in his men loosing these battles. This infuriates Achilles more so and so he rejoins the campaign, where he challenges and defeats hector (Achilles rival). He then denounces hector by tearing his armor and dragging his lifeless corpse in parade. R.P McMurphy extremely similar features which support the justification in portraying McMurphy as an Anti-hero. McMurphy is a recent war veteran and like Achilles strong and brave. Nurse Ratched notes that he has been previously dishonorably discharged foretelling the event to come. To complement the idea of strength, his manly physique is mentioned through parts of the story. McMurphy presence in the ward disrupts Nurse Ratcheds employed social system and brings a small amount of hope to his fellow patients. However, after learning the drastic consequences that could occur if he were to continue his distributive behavior, a antiheroic feature causes McMurphy to lapse