At the end of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," Chief Bromden's actions can be seen as justified by some, as he suffocates McMurphy to spare him from a vegetative life under Nurse Ratched's control, viewing it as an act of mercy. Alternatives included leaving McMurphy behind, but this would contradict McMurphy's desire not to remain on the ward. Chief's decision reflects his love and belief in McMurphy's freedom, aligning with some readers' views of justification.

McMurphy's voice and laughter bring a transformative energy to the ward, which was previously devoid of humor and dominated by Nurse Ratched's oppressive control. His "free and loud" laughter symbolizes freedom and spirit, inspiring the patients to rediscover their humanity and strength. McMurphy's presence encourages them to challenge their oppressive environment, ultimately fostering a sense of camaraderie and empowerment, as seen during the fishing trip where their laughter echoes with newfound liberation.

McMurphy organizes the fishing trip as a rebellion against societal rules, embodied by Nurse Ratched, in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The trip challenges the oppressive institution, showcasing themes of individualism, sanity versus insanity, and sacrifice. It empowers the men by affirming their capabilities beyond Nurse Ratched's control, highlighting McMurphy's willingness to sacrifice himself to challenge the institution's constraints and inspire confidence in the other patients.

The rules in the ward are decided by Nurse Ratched and enforced through her power, as well as her abuse of authority. However, these rules are not for the patients’ own good, but rather to create an ordered routine that reinforces society’s expectations of how one should act in order to be “normal.” Chief Bromden’s narrative further highlights this ideology when he comes to realize that mental illness can be empowering, not something that should be feared or discouraged.

McMurphy avoids the oppressive forces of the Combine in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by maintaining a strong sense of self and defying societal norms. His larger-than-life personality and unwavering authenticity prevent him from being manipulated or changed by external pressures, such as those from Nurse Ratched. Unlike other patients, McMurphy's secure identity and extraordinary character shield him from being "fixed" or molded by the Combine's controlling influence.

1. In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Kesey is primarily exploring the eternal conflict between the individual and the collective. Throughout human history, societies have often struggled to reconcile individual freedom with the safety and security of the community as a whole. Individuals must have their freedom, but how much? And who decides how much? Society needs to have its rules and regulations in order to function properly. But if those rules are too draconian or too strictly applied, then the freedom of the individual is compromised. That's what appears to happen in the psychiatric hospital in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

McMurphy leads Chief Bromden to freedom by giving him hope and helping him reclaim his life.

The fishing trip in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is therapeutic for the patients because it provides them an opportunity to escape the confines of the institution, experience nature, and breathe fresh air. McMurphy orchestrates the trip, convincing the doctor of its therapeutic value. The outing allows patients to momentarily break free from their controlled environment, offering them a sense of freedom and normalcy, despite McMurphy's possible ulterior motives.

Nurse Ratched uses silence in staff meetings as a tool of power and control. Her silence is described as menacing, like "an electric alarm about to go off," creating tension and fear. This silence forces compliance and suppresses dissent, ensuring her dominance. It divides individuals, shames them into submission, and allows her to plot strategies without interruption. Her calculated silence is a mechanism to maintain authority, making McMurphy's vocal defiance a significant threat to her control.

The difference between One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and other "sane individual vs. crazy institution" narratives is how the paradigm offered reflects reality as opposed to a fantasy of how reality should look like. In this configuration, the sane individual is actually more attune to reality and is willing to speak out regarding such a condition. As a result, the institution feels compelled to silence such a voice at all costs. The idea that an individual can represent "man" while institutions represent "machine" and that both are in conflict with one another shows how individuals are able to speak out against institutions.