CuckooÕs Nest Study Questions

Part 2

  1. Investigate what McMurphy learns at the swimming pool, and how this changes his actions in the ward, as well as his position as leader, or Òbull-goose loony,Ó of the other patients.  Also consider whether or not Chief Bromden understands McMurphyÕs dilemma.

 

  1. Citing at least one quote from Part 2, make one interpretation about the progression of the ChiefÕs fog hallucinations.  Also consider the last time he was in fog?  What was taking place?  

 

  1. Find the best example as a group of the emasculation (the physical or symbolic neutering) of a patient (excluding Old Rawler, who we already looked at). 

 

  1. Complete the quote taken from the meeting with the doctors, when Big Nurse states, ÒHe isnÕt extraordinary.  He is . . . .Ó

 

Is this a positive or negative statement?  Why does the Nurse make this statement at this point? Who would be someone who is considered to be extraordinary?  What other diagnoses or disorders do the doctors hypothesize that McMurphy could possibly have?

 

  1. What happens to Cheswick in the pool, and why?

 

 

Part 3

  1. In what ways does the fishing trip help the men therapeutically.  Cite specific reasons, including one event that happened on the trip to get to the ocean.

 

  1. Describe one instance on the fishing trip where the theme of the power of laughter is apparent.  Why is laughter important to this group of patients? Cite one quote as support.

 

  1. Describe one of the BromdenÕs examples of how the Combine has developed in the last twenty years while he has been away from the Outside world.

 

  1. Where do the patients pass through while heading back from their fishing trip?  Describe McMurphyÕs reaction to this place.

 

  1. Why does McMurphy seem exhausted after the trip?  Summarize both HardingÕs explanation as well as BromdenÕs theory. 

 

Part 4

  1. How does the Nurse begin to convince the Acutes that McMurphy is not their savior or a great philanthropist?  What does Bromden think of the NurseÕs accusations and McMurphyÕs actions?

 

  1. What does McMuphy get Bromden to do that helps to Òmake him man-sized againÓ?  What could this possibly foreshadow (remember McMurphyÕs original purpose behind this action, when he tried to do it himself)?

 

  1. What happens to George in the shower, where do Bromden and McMurphy get sent, and what does McMuprhy learn when he is there?