“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Dale Wasserman Adapted from the novel by Ken Kesey

Do Now: With the person next to you, identify which of the following would be a fair match: -ERHS Varsity Football vs The New York Giants -ERHS Varsity Football vs Seaford Varsity -ERHS Varsity Football vs a Little League Team Then discuss a time when you felt powerful and a time where you felt that someone else had power over you. Objective: Students will measure to what extent power is a relative idea by analyzing McMurphy’s struggle with authority.

A Brief Review Ken Kesey is the author of the novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” The original work was adapted into a play, which was written by Dale Wasserman. The setting of the play, as in the novel, is a psychiatric ward in the 1950’s. Ken Kesey drew inspiration for the novel from his work in a psychiatric hospital. He was a frequent user of LSD and often wrote under the influence of mind altering drugs.

Major Themes Conflict; man vs. self, man vs. man, man vs. institution Power; physical power, personal sense of power, authoritarian power Treatment vs Control Normalvs Abrnormal Rebellion

Major Characters Chief Bromden: The play’s narrator. Although he is described as deaf and dumb, the play frequently focuses on Chief’s monologues. This quiet observation provides a deeper insight to his character as well as the setting and conflict amongst other characters. He is a large man, strong and tall, but does not carry himself this way. Aide Warren/Williams: Abusive attendants in the unit, who only serve to heckle and taunt the patients. Nurse Ratched: Head Nurse in this unit. Despite her therapeutic facade, she uses manipulative tactics to maintain control over the patients. McMurphy: A new patient in the ward. He is often inappropriate and brash. Not dealing well with authority, McMurphy enjoys the challenge of upsetting Nurse Ratched’s clean enamel. He frequently breaks rules and attempts to incite similar rebellious feelings within the other patients.

Additional Notes The description of the ward is far from therapeutic. Instead, it is described as a cold and dark prison. P.8 Aides Warren and Williams goad Chief Bromden and make fun of him. Several pages later, Warren restrains Chief Bromden without cause. P.10 Mr. Harding recites a prayer before taking his medication. We can understand this comment on many levels: sarcasm, an analogy for how society controls people, or a parallel to Ken Kesey’s own belief that drugs, such as LSD, can be liberating. Tom Wolfe compared Kesey to a leader of religious institutions, leading his people with LSD.

Additional Notes cont’d. P. 16 McMurphy unstraps Chief Bromden. While this is an act of comassion towards a fellow patient, this is also a sign of insubordination against authority. P. 17 Nurse Ratched tells McMurphy that rules are “engineered for your cure.” P. 18 Nurse Ratched “Please don’t lean on the glass, it makes finger marks” P. 21 Dr. Spivey’s first word is “sorry.” He is introduced to us as a meek and powerless man despite his authority and position of power within the unit.

While Reading Write down any moment where you witness a character utilizing power, attacking power, or being controlled by someone else's power, even if indirectly (fear).

Analysis Row 1 and 2: We learn of McMurphy's criminal history on page 21. Pages before, he releases Chief from restraints. Is McMurphy a bad man? Explain you answer. Row 3 and 4: McMurphy introduces the idea of a pecking party. (26) Who is responsible for the figurative "first drop of blood?" Row 5 and 6: What are the terms for being safe? Harding tells McMurphy he will be safe as long as... How does McMurphy respond to this?

9/17/15 Do Now: Write a sentence about someone who inspired you. What did they inspire you to think or do? Did you ever tell them about the influence they had on you? Objective: Students will analyze how McMurhpy's acts of rebellion influence Chief Bromden's monologue's.

While Reading: Identify any moment where you see McMurphy influencing another patient.

Homework: Take Home Quiz Use your notes to answer the questions. Each response must be comprised of complete sentences. This will count as one homework grade and one quiz grade.

9/18/15 Do Now: Power has been demonstrated in several different ways thus far. Based on our reading, what does Ken Kesey suggest about how power can shift based on the setting or someone's position of authority? Explain your answer by comparing two different characters who exhibit power in different ways. Objective: Students will debate whether McMurphy is a selfless man or if he is only looking out for himself.

While Reading Analyze the texts for any tactics that Nurse Ratched uses to divide and conquer the patients. Objective: Students will debate whether McMurphy is a selfless man or if he is only looking out for himself.

Pair and Share Row 1 and 2: Why does Nurse Ratched attempt to separate McMurphy from the rest of the group? Row 3 and 4: How does McMurphy circumvent Nurse Ratched's authority on the unit? Row 5 and 6: Dr. Spivey and Nurse Ratched take to Mr. McMurphy differently. Upon whom does Nurse Ratched take her frustrations about her inability to control McMurphy out? Objective: Students will debate whether McMurphy is a selfless man or if he is only looking out for himself.

Exit Card How does Nurse Ratched feel about McMurphy's influence on the other patients? Cite evidence from the second session of group therapy. Objective: Students will debate whether McMurphy is a selfless man or if he is only looking out for himself.