Kesey’s portrayal of McMurphy as Christ
The novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest written by Ken Kesey in the late 1950’s has many allegorical references to Christ. Throughout the book McMurphy’s actions and experiences are referenced to the deeds of Christ. Kesey illustrates the comparison between Christ and McMurphy while incorporating the patients as the followers and disciples, and showing how McMurphy’s actions spread hope throughout the ward.
Kesey’s comparison of McMurphy with Christ begins with McMurphy’s first disrupting step onto Nurse Ratched’s ward. When McMurphy strode into the ward that first day he immediately began to stir things up, which was not appreciated by Nurse Ratched and her staff. This is related to the way that Christ’s new teachings were not received favorably by the Roman officials. The first thing done to McMurphy upon arrival is to “baptize” him through a shower symbolizing the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist.
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