One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Quote Analysis

ENG4U1

Thomas

18, December, 2014

Courage is Not Fearlessness: Bravery in The One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

and Watership Down

Mark Twain best described courage when he said that, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear” (Twain). Both in The One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey and Watership Down by Richard Adams, the authors deal with the topic of courage and each share a similar view on it as this quote. Indeed, both authors suggest that courage is not accumulated simply by acts of heroism, but rather by overcoming fears and speaking one’s mind as well. These books are very similar in the way that bravery is displayed through the characters in an uncommon way. Firstly, an example of bravery

being displayed in both novels is how each has a character that embraces their place as a leader and faces difficult situations head on. The novels also exemplify that the true gauge of courage is not always judged by physical stamina but also dealing with psychological tribulations as well. Finally, although one may have to overcome many battles, including the struggles in themselves, it is the drive that fuels the bravery it takes to venture out alone and leave the comforts which are customary. The characters in both novels tackle the obstacles they face in different ways but rather than shying away, each faces their defining moment head on with fearless determination, and bravery.
Randall McMurphy, from The One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, is one character who exemplifies courage in a series of unique ways.

From the moment McMurphy enters the ward it is clear to all that he is different and hard to control. He’s seen as a figure the rest of the patients can look up to and he raises their hopes in taking back power from the big nurse. The other patients identify McMurphy as a leader when he first stands up to the nurse at her group therapy, saying that she has manipulated them all to become “a bunch of chickens at a pecking party”(Kesey 55). He tells the patients that they do not have to listen to Nurse Ratched and he confronts her tactics and motives. The patients see him as a leader at this point, but McMurphy does not see the need for him to be leading alone. McMurphy is a strong willed and opinionated man, so when he arrives at the ward he fails to comprehend why the men live in fear, until Harding explains it to him by

saying;
"Mr. McMurphy ... my friend ... I'm not a chicken, I'm a rabbit. The doctor is a rabbit. Cheswick there is a rabbit. Billy Bibbit is a rabbit. All of us in here are rabbits of varying ages and degrees, hippity-hopping through our Walt Disney world. Oh, don't misunderstand me, we're not in here because we are rabbits-we'd be rabbits wherever we were-we're all in here because we can't adjust to our rabbit hood. We need a good strong wolf like the nurse to teach us our place." (Kesey 61)

It is at this moment Randall McMurphy accepts his role as a leader for the men at the ward, and he is even seen as a Christ-like figure. He bravely sacrifices himself for the benefit of the group by taking blame for the party, and in doing so he loses his free will. McMurphy has ceased to be himself, but rather a figure the other inmates can look up to. His sacrifice in receiving the electroshock therapy and in the end the lobotomy is closely linked to Jesus’s crucifixion. McMurphy loses who he is and became a “shell” of a man, but in doing this it empowers the other patients in the ward and helps them regain their self-esteem, confidence, and individuality.
It takes bravery for one to accept a leadership role but Hazel does so heroically. When his brother comes to confide in him with the premonitions he has, Hazel does not judge but rather listens and decides that something needs to be done. Hazel bravely demands an audience with the Chief Rabbit. When the Chief brushes off Hazel and his brother’s concerns thinking that all is well with the warren, Hazel agrees to lead a group out into the harsh woods to escape. Hazel is a young rabbit, but he knows how to watch out for himself and for his people. His brother Hiver says that "He looked as though he knew how to take care of himself" (Adams 15), while most of the rabbits who lived under the chief’s rule and constantly look “harassed and fearful” (Adams 16). What makes Hazel truly an amazing leader is his fierce courage and that he's willing to sacrifice himself if necessary to protect his friends. This is seen countless times throughout the novel such as when he offers himself as a distraction so that the younger rabbits can escape, or when he faces off with the lead antagonist General Woundwort. One of the other rabbits in their group, Dandelion, compares Hazel to one of the rabbits great mythical heroes (a Jesus like figure) named El-ahrairah because he is "running our risks for us" (Adams 67). Hazel faces every situation fearlessly and head on, and chooses to place himself in danger rather than risking those around him. Even on his death bed he dies peacefully, surrounded by adoring rabbits and feels "the extraordinary feeling that strength and speed were flowing inexhaustibly out of him into their sleek young bodies and healthy senses" (Adams 408). Throughout the novel Watership Down, Hazel is willing to give all he has and even risk his life for his loyal followers. This picture of him, of his strength flowing out of him and into other rabbits perfectly embodies his fearless and selfless demeanor.
Both Watership Down and The One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest have a leader who was thrown into a position of power. Both Randall McMurphy and Hazel are seen as an archetypal hero figure, and each selflessly risk their lives for their loyal followers. In many situations throughout the novels, you could see these two leaders fearlessly head straight into the heart of danger and stand up to their lead antagonist. Neither of these characters are perfect, and both are flawed in the way that they are often too cocky and that can lead to unwanted circumstances. It is these flawed, brave characters that lead their groups to a better life. McMurphy and Hazel lift the spirits of the ones around them and spark courage in each of their followers.
All the characters in The One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest are plagued by some mental illness or psychological battle, but Dale Harding also suffers from an abusive and controlling wife as well. Dale Harding was the quiet leader of the actues before McMurphy arrives at the ward, but he is very willing to pass this on to him once he arrives. Harding is revealed to be a very shy man because he is often mocked for his mannerisms. He is belittled by many, especially Nurse Ratched. This is clear when she pokes at his insecurities and says that "his wife's ample bosom at times gives him a feeling of inferiority." (Kesey 72). Dale Harding exhibits quiet courage by always supporting McMurphy’s choices, and McMurphy sees Dale as a smart and loyal confidante as well. He tells McMurphy that he “no longer want[s] to be a rabbit or a chicken”(Kesey 121), and this references that he no longer wants to shy away from problems, he wants to be brave. Dale Harding is the first to stand up to Nurse Ratched and defend McMurphy as their leader. Slowly, Harding learns how to speak up for himself no matter how he is viewed. Dale Harding is an intellectual man, and he quoted Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth, when he was encouraging the men to stand up to the nurse once McMurphy is taken away. He says, “I’ve finally realized what is happening. It is our last fling. We are doomed henceforth. We must screw our courage to the sticking point and face up to our impending fate. Fight for our freedoms.” (Kesey 295). Dale “breaks out” of his shell and attempts to encourage the patients that all is not lost when McMurphy is sent for electroshock therapy. Dale Harding shows true bravery and courage when he decides to sign himself out of the ward and stand up to his wife.
Fiver is another character who acts courageously in ways that differ from the norm and are unique to himself. An example of his fearlessness is in how he lives his everyday life. He is brave enough to deal with these dark and cryptic premonitions on a daily basis. Fiver becomes terrified by a vision of "the field ... covered with blood" (Adams 15), which leaves him in a fit, yet he still perseveres and continues on with his duties. He often envisions death and destruction, and although he tends to have a lurking feeling of danger never far from him, he refuses to let this mislead him. He seeks the positive side of life, and faces his personal challenges with a clear mind unclouded by doubts. Fiver is often looked down upon for his size and stature. He is seen as “being the runt of the litter, lucky to make it through the winter” (Adams 3), but although most see his size as a disadvantage, Fiver speaks his mind as though he is double his size. He demonstrates his courageous tendencies when he tells his brother Hazel of his visions, and requests to see the Chief Rabbit. Fiver is aware that he is already seen as being on the cusp of the warren and the knowledge of his visions will only be another way in which he is alienated, yet he refuses to leave without telling the Chief of his premonitions. He speaks his mind and voices his opinions, and becomes the brains behind the group. Hazel often looks to Hiver for guidance on important matters. On many occasions Fiver is not afraid of singling himself out by speaking his mind, and often ventures out on his own if he feels what he is doing is right.
In both of these novels, the main protagonists have a confidante they trust and who slowly grows as a person.

Hiver and Dale Harding are both characters with a meek demeanor, but with encouragement, they also learn to speak their mind. They each battle psychological tribulations as well, but continue to persevere. Harding suffers from clinical depression, a fear of being discovered as homosexual, and his abusive wife. Hiver is plagued with visions of death and destruction and in a clinical sense is most likely to be presumed a schizophrenic. Each of these characters are belittled in society because of the size and their mental stability, but in reality both are brilliant and brave. Harding and Hiver grow to become the brains of each’s respective groups and prove to be trustful and

courageous.
The size of a man does not determine the amount of courage one has, and in The One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest size is deceiving. Chief Bromden is a large man, towers over all of the staff and acutes, and yet he has lived his life in the ward in complete silence. Chief was ignored all his life and explains to McMurphy that "It wasn't me that started acting deaf, it was people that first started acting like I was too dumb to hear or see or say anything at all." (Adams 202). This quote gives insight into the kind of lonely life Chief has endured, and that silence is a defense mechanism for him. At the beginning, he went along with what everyone else said, and stayed quiet and only watches out for himself, having no confidence or bravery. Chief slowly gains courage when he sees how McMurphy acts. He tells McMurphy that “although I’m big, I’m really just small” (Kesey 301). Chief is a man who has been humiliated and ostracized all his life, and although he is physically “big”, on the inside he is small and weak. Throughout the novel we see Chief’s demeanor change. An example of Bromden gaining courage is when he refuses to sweep for the black boys. He tended to do what he was told, but this time he drops the broom. Chief begins to see his own self-worth, and even gains enough courage to tell McMurphy that he can indeed talk. Chief embarks on a dangerous journey of sailing on the seas and shows McMurphy how he can lift the metal plate in the tub room. When McMurphy sees this, he tells Chief that he “has grown three feet today” (Kessey 310), referencing that Chief has gained confidence and become much more brave. Chief shows real courage when he attacks the orderlies who jumped on McMurphy during a fight that broke out. He did not think, but simply put his own safety second to that of his dear friend. Chief was sent to electroshock therapy along with McMurphy but unbeknownst to him, McMurphy also had a lobotomy. When Chief is returned back to the other acutes, he is terrified to see what has become of his once brave friend. Chief takes it upon himself to free McMurphy from his misery, and then later escapes in the middle of the night. Chief fights “the fog” that clouds his and decides to once again become a man and join civilization. Chief adapts and grows as a person, becoming courageous and brave enough to leave the confinement of the ward.
Big Wig is another large character who demonstrates courage, and slowly grows and gains confidence. Big Wig has the courage to stand up to any enemy, because his size tends to overpower most enemies, but that is not the only way in which he shows bravery. He relies not only on his brawn but also on his knowledge and quick thinking as well. Although Big Wig has a comfortable position at his home warren, he still leaves with Hazel and his group. He trusts his instincts and Fiver, and courageously leaves his clan to protect not only himself but the smaller rabbits as well. Big Wig starts off as a self-centered character, and single minded, but he emerges into a key player in Hazel’s group. He even declares to General Woundwort that "My Chief Rabbit has told me to defend this run and until he says otherwise I shall stay here" (Adam 323), this is not only an example of Big Wigs character development, but is a clear expression of his courage and loyalty to his warren. Big Wig always accepts the harder challenges and even volunteers when there’s a chance that others could be hurt. He is the first to go off and due surveillance for Hazel’s group, and will attempt any challenge. He selflessly dives into the brook to aid the smaller rabbits saying that he “...could not leave. It wouldn't be right” (Adam 359). Big Wig continually progresses as a person, and with this, also performs some unbelievable acts of fearless determination and courage. Bigwig shows some character growth, from a rabbit who was only looking out for himself, to someone willing to fight and die to protect the other rabbits without a hesitation.
Chief Bromden and Big Wig both have branched out from their comforts in each of their novels. Chief has become a confident and brave man, by defending his comrades and escaping the ward. Much like Chief, Big Wig leaves the home he has become accustomed to in hopes of finding a better life. Both characters put their faith in a leader they believe in and risk their lives to defend them. Although both are intimidating men in their stature, inside they were once fearful and reclusive. Big Wig adapts and cares more for the smaller rabbits than he does himself, and Chief also takes some responsibility for the other chronics. Chief is not only his size; he is also clever and sees the dangers in the ward. Big Wig gains bravery in how he addresses those around him, and learns that although he may not be as intelligent as some of the others, what he has to say is valid. Both of these large characters gain confidence in the voice they possess and learn that although fighting internal and external battles may be hard, it proves to be beneficial in the long run.
Ken Kesey’s and Richard Adams’s novel’s both demonstrate the true natures of courage, and bravery. Indeed, The One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest and Watership Down suggest that no matter where people are from, their past or their size, everyone still has opportunities to show bravery and act courageously. These opportunities are what can shape not only ones life and personal outlooks, but also that of the lives around them. The authors each deal with a wide variety of types of courage all throughout the book, and they both tend to focus each type on a certain character. Each character has their own time in their novel to demonstrate the individual skills and courageous abilities that they possess. Each of these award winning, classic novels incorporate many topics and themes all throughout them such as teamwork, loyalty, and determination, but the key trait demonstrated is the true nature of courage. It is heavily showcased that the act of being courageous is not always being fearless, it is also having many fears and doubts but it is living every day in spite of those fears. Many characters in this book show that bravery can come in many forms, and that physical strength is not the only way to be courageous. Many characters deal with psychological problems, and have to face daily battles within themselves. Finally, these complex novels demonstrate that people should not be brave in hopes to be recognized or to gain reputation, but rather the title of bravery should bestowed upon those who are selfless enough to risk what they have to do what they believe is right and beneficial for the group as a whole.

Works Cited
Adams, Richard. Watership Down. England: Rex Collings, 1972. Print.
Kesey, Ken. United States: Viking, 1962. Print.