One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Choose only Three. Grading your three questions below (minimum 150 words for each question) will be mostly based on how relevant they are (answering the question, not just re-telling the story), clear expression, coherence, and attention to details. Telling what happens is not enough. You need to analyze, draw conclusions, and provide explanations. Your views, which might very well be widely different from those of professional movie critics, need to be supported by evidence from the movie, not the book. Some of those reviews you see online mix the details from the book and the movie which share the title One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest. DO NOT copy ANY PART OF THE QUESTION (points off). Use your own words!

You can either use this sheet or open up a blank word page to write your answer, in which case you will number your responses: 1., 2., and 3.

1. Who is the protagonist? Examine the conflict that he or she in involved in. When does this conflict begin, how it progresses, and, in what way it is finally resolved (prognosis, progression, and the resolution). Which scenes from the movie clearly illustrate these different stages of the protagonist’s clash with the opposing elements, forces, and/or agents of authority? DO NOT copy ANY PART OF THE QUESTION (points off). Use your own words!

2. Many critics believe that one of the reasons One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest continues to be such a smash hit is that it presents a gallery of memorable characters. Which character did you particularly find interesting? Cite examples from different scenes. (For instance, there is a scene in which Mr. Martini… Or To give another example, the scene in which McMurphy suggests that …)

3. Who is relating the tale of One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest? The main character is a belligerent, pushy convict, a liar, and a cheat, but he is cast as a likeable type. Why? Describe the scenes that reveal the clues and explain what difference the narrator’s point of view makes in the way this character is portrayed.

4. The following is a segment of the exchange between Dr. Spivey and McMurphy on the day McMurphy arrives at the ward. First, what is your overall reading of this initial encounter? Who is trying to outsmart the other? Does he live up to his pledge and cooperate later with the people in charge “right down the line”? What decisions does he make or actions does he engage in that lead you to believe that he does or does not fulfill the promise. (40 pts) DO NOT copy ANY PART OF THE QUESTION. Use your own words!

-Do you think there’s anything wrong with your mind, really?

-Not a thing, Doc. I’m a goddamn marvel of modern science.

-You’re going to be here for a period, for us to evaluate you. We’re going to study you. We’ll make our determination as to what we’re going to do and give you the necessary treatment as indicated.

-Doc. Let me just tell you this. I’m here to cooperate with you a hundred percent, a hundred percent. I’ll be just right down the line with you. You watch. ‘Cause I think we ought to get to the bottom of…R.P. McMurphy.

5. Towards the end McMurphy is truly stunned to discover that Chief Bromden has been pretending that he is deaf and dumb:

“You fooled them Chief…You fooled them all,” “What are us two smart guys doing in this dump?” he wonders. Would you agree with McMurphy’s characterization? More importantly, is his assessment of the situation a correct one? Do not retell the story. Argue why you agree or disagree with him.

6. One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a Hollywood oldie; however, unlike many, it continues to maintain as strong an appeal among today’s viewers as it did when it first came out in 1975. What element or elements do you suppose the movie owes its popularity and good ranking to? Explain, in an organized manner, the impact of each.

7. Many critics believe that one of the reasons One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest continues to be such a smash hit is that it presents a gallery of memorable characters. Which character did you particularly find interesting? Cite examples from different scenes: For instance, there is a scene in which… Or To give another example, the scene in which McMurphy suggests that … (30 pts)

Mr. Harding used to be Who is the protagonist? Examine the conflict that he or she is involved in. When does this conflict begin, how does it progress, and, finally, when is it resolved (prognosis, progression, and resolution)? Which scenes from the movie clearly illustrate these different stages of the protagonist’s clash with the opposing element or elements, forces, individuals, and/or agents of authority. DO NOT copy ANY PART OF THE QUESTION. Use your own words!

8. Choose two scenes from the movie and examine a character’s conduct, reactions, and the outcome for each. For example, you can choose two therapy sessions and study anyone of the patients or staff members and show how that person operates so differently or the same under two separate circumstances even though he or she is supposed to be consistent in fulfilling his/her responsibilities