One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Lesson 9
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ELA

Unit 3

11th Grade

Lesson 9 of 37

Objective


Evaluate the interaction between McMurphy and Harding based on dialogue and actions.

Identify and analyze an analogy used in the novel. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey  pp. 55 – 62

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Target Task


Question 1

What is the intended effect of McMurphy’s analogy on p. 57?

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Sample Response

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Question 2

Based on p. 60, how does Harding initially respond to McMurphy?

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Question 3

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

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Question 4

Based on the passage when McMurphy says, “she’s big as a barn,” he most probably means:

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Question 5

Which piece of evidence provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question? p. 60

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Key Questions


  • How does the first sentence on p. 55 serve to set the tone?  
  • As presented on p. 55-56 the doctor is best described as…?
  • What is the intended effect of Bromden’s metaphor on p. 56? How does this contradict the doctor’s theory?
  • What can the reader infer based on McMurphy’s actions on p. 56?
  • What can the reader infer based on Harding’s actions on p. 57?
  • Based on his dialogue on p. 57, what is McMurphy’s initial tone? 
  • What is the tone of Harding’s response?
  • What is the significance of McMurphy “raising his voice?”
  • How does the analogy of the flock relate to the men at the meetings?
  • Track both McMurphy and Harding’s actions and dialogue from p. 58-59.
  • What do Harding’s actions on p. 61 indicate? 
  • How does Harding’s tone shift on p. 61-62 
  • What do Harding’s actions on p. 62 reveal?
  • How does McMurphy respond to Harding’s concession? 

Notes


Assign p. 63-68 for homework, focusing on rabbits and wolf for further analogy practice.

Next

Determine McMurphy’s motivation behind his bet.  

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

Lesson 10
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