One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Lesson 24
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ELA

Unit 3

11th Grade

Lesson 24 of 37

Objective


Debate the factors that keep the men in the ward.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey  pp. 188 – 196

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Based on page 190, which of the following best summarizes Harding’s claim about EST?

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Sample Response

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Which recurring motif does the above reinforce?

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Sample Response

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Based on the section, which character would most likely agree with the idea that, when dealing with mental issues, it is out of our own hands?

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Sample Response

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Discussion & Writing Prompt

Do you think it matters whether a patient is voluntary or committed?  Who actually determines if/when a patient can leave? The patient? Society? The Nurse? 

Key Questions


  • What does Bromden believe the purpose of the X-rays are? Why is this detail significant?
  • What is the purpose of the paragraph beginning with “We’re benched…” on p. 188?
  • What does Harding’s tone reveal about the patients’ relationship with EST on p. 189?  What larger conflict does this reveal?
  • Where did the idea for lobotomy come from? Why do you think the author chose to include this detail?
  • Do you agree with what Harding claims about “the public?” on p. 190? Why or why not?
  • What does McMurphy discover about Nurse Ratched’s power on p. 191?
  • What are the men debating at the top of p. 192? What do you think?
  • What does McMurphy mean by “passing the buck?” on p. 192?
  • What does McMurphy claim at the bottom of 192? Why does he want to steer clear of Ratched? 
  • What is the difference between “voluntary” and “committed” on p. 193? Why is McMurphy so shocked here?
  • What do you think Billy means by “guts” on p. 195?
  • What makes McMurphy’s final statement on p. 196 ironic?

Notes


Here is when McMurphy discovers they aren’t committed. Even though they are voluntary—in a way—they have no say because they claim to have “no guts.”

Next

Explain the purpose behind Bromden’s flashbacks.

Debate whether the Nurse or McMurphy is “winning” the battle by the end of Part 3.

Lesson 25
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