One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Lesson 23
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ELA

Unit 3

11th Grade

Lesson 23 of 37

Objective


Describe the reasons behind the conflict between Harding and his wife.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey  pp. 182 – 187

  • Book: The Missing Kennedy: Rosemary Kennedy and the Secret Bonds of Four Women, by Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff  pp. 63 – 73 — Rosemary’s surgery

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Target Task


Question 1

Based on this section, which character would most likely agree with the idea that, when trying to solve a conflict, it is best to be kind and reflect on one’s own role in it?

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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

Who is at fault, Harding, his wife, or both? Use specific details from the section to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • What new layer of Bromden’s background is revealed in the first paragraph?
  • What is literally vs. figuratively happening on p. 182?
  • Who is the new visitor introduced on pages 182 and 183, and why is she significant?
  • How does Bromden describe Harding’s wife?
  • What do Harding and his wife’s body language indicate?
  • What does the paragraph at the bottom of p. 183 reveal about Harding?
  • Do you think Harding’s wife was speaking figuratively or literally about not having enough on p. 184?
  • What does Harding critique his wife for on p. 184? What is his reason for doing so?
  • How does Harding’s wife describe her husband’s friends?
  • Why does McMurphy grow upset with Harding on p. 185? Is he right? 
  • What is starting to happen to McMurphy on p. 186? 

Notes


  • Students should read the non-fiction excerpt from The Missing Kennedy for homework tonight. Begin the reading together in class with some background on who Rosemary Kennedy was.
  • Provide definitions of lobotomy and leucotomy.
  • For students who read Of Mice and Men in 9th grade, ask them to make a connection between Harding’s wife and Curley’s wife in Of Mice and Men.

Next

Debate the factors that keep the men in the ward.

Lesson 24
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