Archetypal and Biblical Criticism One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Monomyth (Joseph Campbell) Separation/Departure? Initiation? – the hero encounters fabulous forces – traverses the Underground – wins a decisive victory – battle demons – undergo a false death Return and Reintigration? – brings gift back to community

Archetypal Characters How many archetypal characters can you identify in the novel? – Virgin/Bride- Mother – Siren/ Whore- Hag/Crone/Witch – Unlikely hero- Loyal Friend/Companion – Father/King/God- Old man/wizard – Warrior- Big bad/Villain/Ogre/Nemesis – Traitor- Cassandra/Prophet/Seer – Scapegoat/Sacrifice/Fisher King

Northrop Frye’s Seasons What “season” is One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest? – Dawn/Spring- birth of hero? Creation? – Zenith/Summer- sacred marriage? Apotheosis? – Sunset/Autumn- death/fall, sacrifice – Night/Winter- triumph of dark, chaos, defeat of hero

Biblical Symbolism

McMurphy as a Christ figure? Crucifixion? Resurrection? Miracles of healing? Mary Magdalene? Challenges to Pharisees/Rebellion? Poorest amongst us? Baptism? Fishing (to follow)

Jesus walks on water – Matt 14: After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. Several hours later in the night, the disciples encounter a storm. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. This terrifies the disciples and they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them in verse 27, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.“ Peter replies, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." So Jesus invites Peter to come. Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Peter cries out to the Lord and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches Peter. As they climb into the boat together, the storm ceases. Then the disciples worship Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

The Fishing Trip McMurphy takes 12 people that go on the fishing trip (p.203) – 12 apostles – Billy, Harding, Fredrickson, George, Martini, Sefelt, Scanlon, Tadem, Gregory, Chief, Dr. Spivey, Candy The men regain faith (in themselves) – catching fish = regaining masculinity – “fishers of men” Just as Peter is able to overcome his fear and is able to walk on water, the men are able to reclaim their manhood through this experience – and they can finally laugh

The Last Supper

Jesus and apostles last dinner before his betrayal and death “Do this in memory of me.” For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Food and drink for others, not for Jesus

McMurphy’s Last Supper The party in the ward? McMurphy doesn’t exit? Drug line? Betrayal?

McMurphy’s Sacrifice Page 172 – McMurphy sacrifices any possibility of his release from the hospital by smashing the window; he will not let Nurse Ratched win Page - Defends George in the shower- look at language Page – McMurphy attacks Nurse Ratched Sins of men “forgiven”? His sacrifice became an inspiration to the other patients and they finally had enough strength where the nurse could no longer “rule with her old power anymore” (p. 269).

Other Biblical Figures? Chief Bromden? – Peter? the first apostle chosen by Christ formerly named Simon/conversion Denial? “rock” on which the church was built (Matt 16: 13-19) Billy Bibbit? – Judas? betrayed Christ Committed suicide