Well this book has probably been discussed before, but I just picked it up from the library for the first time today, and started reading a few pages. I'm kinda confused because at first, I thought the guy talking in the story was McMurphy....but now he says some guy came in and his name is Mcmurphy? Say what? Also...is this a funny book? I think I heard it was..and how about the movie?
the book is written from the perspective of one of the fellow inhabitants at the psych ward. it's been a long time, but i think it was written from the perspective of the native american feller. it's a great read, just keep reading!
the story _one flew over the cuckoo's nest_ is narrated by chief broom... "the combine has turned off the fog machine for now..."
I read it last year...well, part of it anywway...but shh. I had to do a scrapbook on it, and I ran out of time to read the whole thing...I think I might get it again just to re-read it. But yeah, it's narated by Chief Broom.
It isn't written by a psych patient. Ken Keasey worked in an institution for a while where he did his research. I happened to have been a part of the theatre production that my highschool did just last week. It was an incredible achievement. If you want to know more about the author, read The Electric Kool--Aide Acid Test by Tom Wolfe.
I love this book! I haven't read it in years, but I don't really think there's a lot of funny parts. I kinda think it's more sad and it almost makes me cringe how they used to treat "mental illnesses" in those days. Sure didn't know much what they were doing if you ask me. Yup, it's definately through the eyes of the chief which is a very cool perspective, seeming I saw the movie first. The movie's good too. Jack Nickleson plays such a great character. It's definately got it's laughs..
You've probably heard someone saying:" We're all a bit mad!" If you analyze the book, you'll see many analogies to the way human beings treat each other every day. Taken that the institution is an ampifiler of insanity, is it reasonable to say that insanity is overflowing into society? Look at the psychiatrists examining Murphy. They appear to be affected by their surounding. Could it be the other way round, however? Could insanity be actually sipping INTO the asylum from the outside? After all, how many of the patients are actually interned through choice? Many of them are intimidated by the real world, as if exposed to the wilderness. I'm sure that, although not to the same scale, there are many of us that are frustrated by the lack of logic around us. To clarify my viewpoint: this is a tragedy/comedy about an institution, and the people whose lives are affected by it. Beyond the obvious scenario, however, if you observe the similarities with 'normal' people and how they behave, I think you'll be impressed. A small example: Martini getting upset over trivial matters. Don't you know anyone like that? The jealousy of some characters and the way they try to hide it. Know anyone like that? The way some characters think one way and under no circumstances change their mind, no matter what the truth is. Sounds familiar? The way some of the patients find difficulty in expressing themselves when confronted by guilt. Who hasn't met someone like that? All the people that I've mentioned are not locked up, they have jobs, families, etc. The author has written a small book and yet he has shown that he is a genius and a philathropist, because his message is conveyed concisely and effectively. Come to mention it, thank you for reminding me of this book. I shall be reading it again!
I thought it was an awesome book. I have been meaning to check into other stuff that Kesey has written for a while now but keep forgetting.
