One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Lesson 20
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ELA

Unit 3

11th Grade

Lesson 20 of 37

Objective


Identify and explain the impact that McMurphy is having on Bromden. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey  pp. 159 – 166

  • Movie: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 

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Target Task


Question 1

Bromden’s use of the pronoun “us” on page 160 mainly reveals:

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Sample Response

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Question 2

What is the main purpose of the paragraph on p. 161 beginning with “Whack his leg…”

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Question 3

The description of Bromden’s facial features at the bottom of p. 161-162  mainly serves to emphasize how:

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Question 4

Read the following sentence from p. 163:

“I looked out the window and saw for the first time how the hospital was out in the country.”

What is happening to Bromden here?  How does McMurphy play a role in this moment?

Key Questions


  • Why does Bromden grow worried on p. 159?
  • What are the “badges of femininity” he refers to? (159)
  • How does McMurphy respond to the Big Nurse’s latest course of action? (159-160) (spiraled review)
  • What is happening at the bottom of p. 160?
  • What does McMurphy’s laughter represent to the men? To the Nurse? (161)
  • What does Bromden think of McMurphy? (161)
  • Why is Bromden looking in the mirror? (161 bottom-162)
  • What sense is Bromden primarily using on p. 163? Why?
  • What does Bromden begin to notice and realize? (163-164)
  • How does the ward exercise authority and control over Bromden on p. 165-166?

Notes


  • Students should read p. 167-169 for homework and continue to track McMurphy’s impact, this time on group meetings. 
  • Consider showing cigarette film clip.

Next

Analyze the reasons for the change in McMurphy’s behavior.

Explain the connection between McMurphy’s breaking and Cheswick’s death.

Lesson 21
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