Biblical Allusions In One Flew Over The Cukoo's Nest

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Biblical Allusions in One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest More often than not, humanity finds itself needing a guardian angel to save us from the tedious and humdrum cycles of society. There is such a hero in not only Jesus Christ, but also in Kesey’s great R.P. McMurphy. From the beginning, McMurphy is seen as a leader, much like Jesus, he creates a following of disciples with his charismatic and contrasting attitude. The use of Biblical allusions throughout One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest enhances the meaning behind McMurphy’s influence and authority on the other patients. As soon as McMurphy shows up at the ward it is very obvious that his entire demeanor is much different than that of the other patients. The Chronics and Acutes are shunned from society living their lives trapped in an endless routine; McMurphy possesses a larger-than-life quality which made him attractive to the …show more content…

A clear correlation can be made between McMurphy and the healing power of Jesus. McMurphy is the one who induced Chief to voice himself for the first time in the novel when he tells him, "Thank-you." (p. 184). McMurphy essentially "cures" Chief of his “deafness” and “dumbness”. Billy Bibbit is also enabled by McMurphy, although he is ungrateful and sells out McMurphy saying "McMurphy did it!" (p. 264). Because of his deception, Billy commits suicide similarly to how Judas did when he handed over Jesus to the romans for crucifixion. Although McMurphy had been double crossed, the ultimate sacrifice was still made in order to assure Nurse Ratched could not take advantage of Billy's death to denounce the impression that he had left on the others and what they had achieved. His sacrifice is an inspiration to the others in that they finally gained enough strength so that the nurse could no longer "rule with her old power anymore" (p.

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