Ken Kesey Essays - Counterculture Of The 1960s, Ken Kesey

Ken Kesey During the course of the last fifty years, society has changed significantly. In modern society a great emphasis is placed on individualism and diversity within a society. It is rare that an individual would be ridiculed or forced to change simply for not complying with what society views as "normal". This has not always been the case though. The nineteen fifties were much different. This was an era of social conformity. The members of society who were intent on maintaining this social state ostracized individuals who were considered "abnormal". Such "abnormal" individuals just simply accepted the fact that they were not part of this normal society. Because of society's influence, these people sought help in psychiatric wards in attempts to better themselves and thus fit into society. By doing so, they let society conform and mold them into what was thought as "normal". Ken Kesey was a man in this era that did not believe in social conformity. Kesey, along with his followers set off on a mission to open the minds of people who were focused on maintaining this status quo. Ken Kesey's journey led him to write One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. This novel focuses on the struggle between individuals who are intent on keeping things the same with those who are considered "different". Harding is a character in the novel that is limited by opposing forces of society and who in turn, seeks refuge in hopes to be accepted. With the influence of McMurphy, Harding changes from an apprehensive "rabbit" to a self-assured man. This change illustrates Kesey's view that an individual can realize the worth of their life through self-acceptance and reliance on ones self rather than conforming to social norms. Harding admits himself in the psychiatric hospital because he is "abnormal" in a society that highly values normality. "[He] discovered at an early age that [he] was...different? ...[He] indulged in certain practices that...society regards as shameful"(pg. 294). Admitting himself in the hospital is Harding's way of succumbing to the forces of society. He simply accepts the fact that without help he will never fit in the "real world". Harding knows that "This world belongs to the strong..."(pg.62). For this reason he felt that is why he belonged in the hospital. The hospital is a place where "[a] good strong wolf like the Nurse [could] teach [them their] place"(pg.62). Initially with no self-esteem, Harding lets the Nurse and the other hospital staff tell him how to live. When initially questioned of his abnormal life by the other patients and the staff, "Harding [had] his thin shoulders folded nearly together around himself...his hands trapped between his knees...trying to look calm-but he's chewing his cheeks...not calm at all" (pg.54). Harding is a nervous man who finds it difficult to deal with his differences and simply follows society's commands in order to keep things easy. Harding's views and behaviors start to change slowly as he associates more with Randle McMurphy. McMurphy enters the ward involuntarily and has a much different outlook on life than the other patients. McMurphy places a great influence on being an individual and goes to great extents to be just that. He is a leader and not a follower. His straightforward tactics and self-confidence allow him to freely express his values. Along with these attributes, McMurphy also treats the other patients normal and does not treat them how society does. By treating them as equals and by instilling into them his views and ethics, they are able to see the world differently. McMurphy's concern with the music that "dulls the senses" shows another side of him as well. It shows his concern and consideration for his peers. A more important feature of McMurphy is that he shows no shame. This shows the patients, including Harding, that there is no need to fell shame for being who they are. Amongst these things, McMurphy teaches the patients the power of trying and believing in ones self. McMurphy attempts to lift the panel in order to try to escape and he fails. Even though he failed in the end, he still had enough confidence to try. The lesson is learnt that it is far better to try and fail than to never even try. Looking at McMurphy's actions and values shows that he is perceptive and sensitive to others. He is able to see the men's weaknesses and attempts to build them up. He hopes that in the end they will see Big Nurse's strategy and be able to stand on their own feet and fight