Mcmurphy
Madeline Shughrou
Period 5
5-10-15
The Work of a Byronic Hero A Byronic hero is disrespectful of rank, is highly intelligent and perceptive, and has a very cunning personality. These are three characteristics that McMurphy possesses and consistently displays, which is why he should be considered a Byronic hero. Ken Kesey provides ample evidence through his rebellious actions and smart way of approaching issues. He also makes sure to exhibit his tricky, deceiving personality. In the novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, McMurphy uses his qualities to become a backbone for the men on the ward, making him a Byronic hero. McMurphy is contemptuous towards Nurse Ratched, as he doesn't care that she is in charge of the ward. She can't control him like she can the other patients. He is a rebel and makes it is duty to get under her skin and strip her power right from underneath her. In fact, just a few days after McMurphy's arrival, he makes a bet with the other patients. He says, '"Any of you sharpies here willing to take my five bucks that says I can get the best of that woman - without her getting the best of me?"(73) This is the trait that sets McMurphy apart as a leader and a rallier. The patients look up to his bravery and rebellion and he brings them together, creating a strength like never before. McMurphy's plan to reveal Nurse Ratched's feminism is what builds the strength within the group. McMurphy realizes that if he exposes Nurse Ratched's gender to the patients at the ward, she will become evidently powerless in their new eyes. McMurphy approaches this plan by pointing out her female assets in front of the men. Bromden explains that Nurse Ratched "would reprimand him without heat at all, and he would stand and listen till she was finished and then destroy her whole effect by asking something like did she wear a B cup, he wondered, or a C cup, or any cup at all?"(177) The use of the word destroy shows the huge effect that McMurphy made with comments
Period 5
5-10-15
The Work of a Byronic Hero A Byronic hero is disrespectful of rank, is highly intelligent and perceptive, and has a very cunning personality. These are three characteristics that McMurphy possesses and consistently displays, which is why he should be considered a Byronic hero. Ken Kesey provides ample evidence through his rebellious actions and smart way of approaching issues. He also makes sure to exhibit his tricky, deceiving personality. In the novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, McMurphy uses his qualities to become a backbone for the men on the ward, making him a Byronic hero. McMurphy is contemptuous towards Nurse Ratched, as he doesn't care that she is in charge of the ward. She can't control him like she can the other patients. He is a rebel and makes it is duty to get under her skin and strip her power right from underneath her. In fact, just a few days after McMurphy's arrival, he makes a bet with the other patients. He says, '"Any of you sharpies here willing to take my five bucks that says I can get the best of that woman - without her getting the best of me?"(73) This is the trait that sets McMurphy apart as a leader and a rallier. The patients look up to his bravery and rebellion and he brings them together, creating a strength like never before. McMurphy's plan to reveal Nurse Ratched's feminism is what builds the strength within the group. McMurphy realizes that if he exposes Nurse Ratched's gender to the patients at the ward, she will become evidently powerless in their new eyes. McMurphy approaches this plan by pointing out her female assets in front of the men. Bromden explains that Nurse Ratched "would reprimand him without heat at all, and he would stand and listen till she was finished and then destroy her whole effect by asking something like did she wear a B cup, he wondered, or a C cup, or any cup at all?"(177) The use of the word destroy shows the huge effect that McMurphy made with comments