Archive for June 18, 2010
Pool Party
Posted by: PMurphy
Book: One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest (purchase on Amazon)
“I want something done! Hear me?”
After collectively rebelling against Nurse Ratched’s ward policy, Chief Bromden states, “There’s no more fog any place.”
It seems that the men have a renewed sense of confidence and look to McMurphy for guidance. However, it’s not too long until McMurphy steps down from his role as their leader. He decides to back down after talking to the lifeguard at the swimming pool. They were discussing the difference between being committed in the hospital and jail. The lifeguard tells McMurphy, “You’re sentenced in a jail, and you got a date ahead of you when you know you’re gonna be turned loose.” This is when he realizes that his actions against Nurse Ratched could possibly keep him in the hospital indefinitely.
That afternoon, the patients are having a meeting with the Big Nurse and the patient, Cheswick, brings up an issue with cigarette policy. He demands for something to be done about the rationing of cigarettes. “I ain’t no little kid to have cigarettes kept from me like cookies!” he says. Cheswick looks towards McMurphy for approval and leadership but McMurphy turns the other way. Cheswick begins to flip-out and spends the night in the Disturbed ward.
The next morning, the men are heading toward the pool and Cheswick is there. He stops and tells McMurphy that he understands why he didn’t stand up for him. He proceeds to dive into the water and intentionally drowns himself by getting his fingers stuck in the grate at the bottom of the pool.
