Illustration of Nurse Ratched

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

by Ken Kesey

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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Questions and Answers

In Chapter 1, what is the Combine in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

Why and how does Billy commit suicide in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

In One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, what did the fishing trip mean for each of the men?

In the first section of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, what happens to Ellis? What happens to Ruckly? What does the imagery suggest?

In "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest," what form of therapy did the hospital use on the mentally ill? Did it work? Describe the common routine that all patients had to follow.

Explain the message of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

Briefly identify Ellis and Ruckly. Why does the author includes so many details about these two minor characters?

What happens if a patient doesn't take his medicine in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

What was the diagnosis for Chief Bromden's schizophrenia?

How does the Chief feel about the black boys in Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest? How do they feel about Nurse Ratched?

What is the "peckin' party" in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

How does McMurphy discover Chief Bromden’s secret?

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Nurse Ratched uses an extensive system of rules and regulations, as well as an ordered routine, to keep the asylum patients under control. Note the rules and examine what purpose they serve. How are the rules on the ward determined? Are there any examples of rules in this novel that actually are for a person's (or a patient's) own good?

Do you think the Chief is justified in his actions at the end of the reading? What alternative, if any, did he have? Explain.

How is abnormal psychology treated in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

Explain and give examples of the friendship between McMurphy and Chief and why it works.

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, what does the last line of Chapter One mean?

What is the effect of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest on modern culture?

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, how are McMurphy and Harding's hands different? What might this symbolize?

How does McMurphy's voice and laughter affect the ward in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and how are his hands different from Harding's?

How did Chief become deaf and dumb?

What does the description of McMurphy's hands suggest to the reader about his character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

Briefly describe the doctor, and the 3 black orderlies in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest.  Why does the Nurse think they are qualified for their jobs?  

What are some of the motifs in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

Usually, what happens in the morning in the ward in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, how and why is the fishing trip considered therapeutic for patients?

How do we know Bromden is schizophrenic in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest? He displays many characteristics of a paranoid schizophrenic, but I couldn't find any concrete proof in the novel.

What are multiple quotes in the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest that show how Nurse Ratchet manipulates the patients in the ward?

Why is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest considered a classic?

What is the rising action in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey, what is Mr. Turkle's daily routine?

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, how does Bromden become deaf and dumb?

How does One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest challenge our belief system?

How has Nurse Ratchet set up the ward as an anti-cure?

In One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, who is the intended audience and how do you know?

What are some symbols in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and what is their significance? 

What exact quotes referenced in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" could show that Bromden is schizophrenic?

In Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, what is significant about McMurphy's encounter with the lifeguard in the swimming pool?

What are some themes for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest? One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, why do you think McMurphy breaks the window,destroying his chances of winning his release from the hospital? How is Bromden affected?

What is unusual about McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey?

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Nurse Ratched repeatedly calls McMurphy "McMurry." Why?

Describe McMurphy's underwear. What do you think they symbolize in this story? Explain the significance of the "aces and eights" tattoo.

How is McMurphy portrayed in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

In chapter 8 of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, how does McMurphy manipulate Spivey?

What are some examples from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest  that support the notion that McMurphy is a sort of savior?

What is the importance of humor and of laughter in Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest? 

What are some characteristics and themes that One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Beat Poetry have in common?

In Chapter 4 of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, why is the fog there and what does Bromden need it for?

How does the culture in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey affect reality?