According to the definition, a hero is someone who demonstrates courage or noble intentions, often by putting their life at risk. In Ken Kesey’s acclaimed novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Randle McMurphy embodies this portrayal as he fearlessly challenges oppressive forces and ultimately faces the ultimate sacrifice.
Before McMurphy’s arrival, there were no heroes on the psychiatric ward. Nurse Ratched held supreme power, and the patients felt powerless against the injustices they faced. However, McMurphy changed this by uniting the patients, giving them collective courage and the belief that they could resist their persecutor. To illustrate this point, Harding bravely declares, “No one has ever had the courage to say it before, but every man here feels the same way.”
“This is not just a feeling I have, but something that resonates deep within his scared little soul,” McMurphy expressed his difference in opinion towards her and the entire situation. Not only did he bring together his friends, the patients, but he also understood the opposing side, the staff. He acknowledged the absolute authority and suppressive power held by those in charge of the psychiatric ward. Additionally, he was aware that resisting them would put him in significant personal danger. Nevertheless, McMurphy took the risk and stood up for his fellow patients. For instance, when the black boy was bothering George, McMurphy told him firmly, “I said that’s enough buddy.” McMurphy was well aware of the potential consequences of this confrontation, but he willingly took the chance.
In reality, McMurphy took a risk one too many times. His demise occurred when he confronted nurse Ratched and held her responsible for Billy Bibbit’s death. McMurphy clearly displayed his affection for Billy through his intense emotional response to the tragic event, stating, “First Charles Cheswick and now William Bibbit! I hope you’re finally satisfied. Playing with human lives-gambling with human lives-as if you thought yourself to be God!” As a consequence of this outburst, McMurphy undergoes a lobotomy…
