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.

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 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.

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.

In Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Nurse Ratched emasculates patients by exerting absolute control, using psychological manipulation, and enforcing rigid rules. She maintains power by undermining their confidence and autonomy, treating them as children. McMurphy rebels against this oppression by challenging her authority, encouraging patients to assert themselves, and attempting to democratize decision-making. His rebellion grows from small acts of defiance to a full-scale revolt, ultimately leading to his tragic lobotomy.

In "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," Nurse Ratched controls patients "for their own good" by enforcing rules that appear beneficial, such as keeping the music on for comfort. Her use of shock therapy on McMurphy is justified as therapeutic, although it's more about subduing him. The ward's structure, from daily routines to invasive procedures like lobotomies, is justified as serving the patients' well-being, ultimately suppressing individuality and maintaining her power.

Quotes in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest that clearly show the theme of society versus an individual include when Chief Bromden quotes his father and when Randle McMurphy tells the patients that he doesn’t think they’re so crazy.

In Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, sanity and societal norms are explored through the characters' interactions within a mental institution. The novel questions what constitutes true sanity, contrasting the oppressive, conformist society represented by Nurse Ratched with the individualistic, rebellious spirit of McMurphy. The story critiques how societal norms can marginalize and oppress those who deviate from expected behaviors.

McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is portrayed as a rebellious, charismatic figure who challenges institutional authority. He symbolizes individuality and resistance against oppressive systems, often clashing with Nurse Ratched. His character highlights themes of freedom, control, and the impact of institutionalization on human spirit.