One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Lesson 10
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ELA

Unit 3

11th Grade

Lesson 10 of 37

Objective


Determine McMurphy’s motivation behind his bet.  

Explain how conflict reveals theme. Identify and analyze the allusion use in this excerpt.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey  pp. 69 – 75

  • Article: “Helen” 

  • Movie: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 

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Target Task


Question 1

Which of the following best describes McMurphy’s attitude toward the men on p. 70?

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Sample Response

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Question 2

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

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Sample Response

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Question 3

What is the intended effect of the allusion on p. 71?

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Sample Response

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Question 4

What is McMurphy’s main motive for taking down the Big Nurse?

Key Questions


  • Why does the author include the detail on p. 69 that the Acutes are “crowding closer?”
  • According to Frederickson, what is the risk in McMurphy telling the Big Nurse to go to hell?
  • What is the Shock Shop?
  • What is the intended effect of Harding listing the plights of Ellis, Ruckly, and Bromden?
  • What motif from Invisible Man is reinforced at the bottom of p. 69-70? 
  • What is McMurphy’s motive in asking the men to “vote” on p. 70? What is McMurphy’s tone toward the men here?
  • How has the Big Nurse “won” on p. 71?
  • How is McMurphy feeling at the top of p. 72? Why? How does McMurphy’s attitude shift on p. 72-73?
  • What does the word “impregnable” on p. 73 suggest about the Big Nurse?
  • How do the majority of the men respond to McMurphy’s bet? 

Notes


  • Show film clip of bet scene.
  • Make sure students recognize Helen as an allusion to Greek mythology by having them read the article as a Do Now prior to reading the chapter.

Next

Analyze the impact of the “fog” on the narrator.
Explain how the music conflict further characterizes McMurphy.

Lesson 11
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