Laughter the Combine and Fog
... The symbolism in the novel, and especially the major symbols of laughter, fog, and the Combine clarify the plot, set a mood, and accentuate the characters serving as indicators to help the reader follow the storyline, understand hidden meaning and often differentiate between reality and illusion in the minds of the characters. It is often said that laughter is the best medicine. ... Laughter is inspiring, unifying and warms the heart. The symbol that best represents McMurphy is laughter. Through his laughter and boisterousness, he brings his own brand of medicine to the ward, enlivening and empowering the patients. McMurphy’s first entrance into the ward is marked by laughter. He brings a dose of laughter to the inmates as “He stands there waiting, and when nobody makes a move to say anything to him he commences to laugh. ... His laughter is such a symbol of McMurphy himself that it is almost a characteristic. McMurphy and laughter and life are so inseparable that “Even when he isn’t laughing, that laughing sound hovers around him. ... McMurphy unselfishly helps the patients, prescribing the medicine of laughter. ... At first, the patients are flabbergasted by his laughter, “Everybody on the ward, patients, staff, and all is stunned dumb by him and his laughing” (Kesey 16). However, they begin to respond to the laughter and healing begins. Laughter gets McMurphy through challenges and he wants others to use it as a tool to live. ... Laughter is a symbol of bravery, defiance, courage and individuality just as McMurphy is. ... Mc Murphy relies on laughter to prevent him from reacting or getting angry with Big Nurse and the Black Boys. Laughter as the best medicine is at the heart of this novel. His laughter and spirit motivate the ward, moving others to stand up for themselves. Laughter is real and it cuts through the fog and mists surrounding patients in the ward. Fog, as described by the Chief, is a symbol representing his perception of the world. Fog serves as a symbol of the dividing line between reality and illusion. Fog obscures the real. ... The fog lifts them out of the present reality and horror of the ward. In this sense, fog, as described by the chief, symbolizes an escape from the routine of the ward and domination of Big Nurse.