One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Lesson 32
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ELA

Unit 3

11th Grade

Lesson 32 of 37

Objective


Analyze and explain McMurphy and the Big Nurse’s motivations throughout this section of the text.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey  pp. 261 – 270

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Target Task


Question 1

In paragraph 1 on p. 261, what does the specific diction of “maneuver” imply?

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Sample Response

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Question 2

In paragraph 2 on p. 261, what does the use of italics imply?

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Sample Response

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Question 3

Compare the Big Nurse’s motives and McMurphy’s motives. Draw on evidence from the text to show how Kesey uses this conflict to create meaning.

Key Questions


  • Why does Kesey use diction such as “maneuver” on p. 261?
  • Why does Kesey italicize “he’s” on p. 261? What does it imply?
  • How is Big Nurse manipulating the men on p. 261?
  • How do Big Nurse’s comments about McMurphy impact the men’s attitude toward him on p. 264?
  • Is McMurphy a martyr? Why or why not?
  • How does Big Nurse use logos to manipulate the men on p. 264-265?
  • What is Harding’s tone when he says “Miss Angel of Mercy Ratched” on p. 266?
  • What is Billy’s counterclaim on p. 267?
  • How does Bromden view McMurphy on p. 267?
  • How does Bromden’s attitude toward McMurphy shift on p. 268-269?

Notes


  • Today’s reading marks the beginning of Part Four of the novel. The teacher may wish to begin by having students use what they have learned in Parts One-Three to forecast how Kesey might wrap-up the central conflict of the novel in Part Four.
  • Assign p. 270-275 for homework and ask students to note the fight where McMurphy is restrained and what it shows about him.

Next

Explain the shift in power dynamics.

Lesson 33
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