Control In One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

As we continue to read and analyse One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, we stumble upon several powerful episodes that bring new dimensions to the book and challange our perception of its characters. In my opinion, among those breaking points is a scene that depicts Mack Murphy’s attempt to lift the Control Panel. That episode not only holds a profound metaphoric meaning, but also becomes critical for all the characters in the novel.
The name of the Panel itself (the capital c Control Panel) suggests that Mack Murphy’s struggle to lift it epitomizes his battle with the authorities, the Big Nurse and the Combine. Furthermore, as the attempt is made in front of the other patients, the struggle provides the Acutes with a physical manifistation