Ona In One Flew Over The Cuckoo's '

Ona is portrayed as this weak, vulnerable, and sensitive woman who does not have the same stamina as Jurgis. She is a thin and a typical stay at home wife. She has a lot of compassion for her family but is too “weak” to take on a demanding job. When she is forced to go to work she cannot handle it. She also births a child and her body is not able to take it which, contributes back to her fragile character. Her name means graceful which can be considered the way that she carries herself. Her function in the novel is to show the concept of “survival of the fittest”. While she is giving birth she states “My God- let me die, let me die!” (149). Even she believed that she wasn't strong enough to proceed. Those who can handle the harsh conditions
will be able to make it and the rest will meet their unfortunate fate.
Antanas is the only son of Jurgis and Ona. He is a strong, hardworking, delicate little boy who is sent off to work also. Unfortunately, he is also exposed to child labor. He has to continuously work his days through the dangerous weather conditions. One days he drowns in some mud on the streets and dies. His death signifies Jurgis’ change and how the lost of his loved ones leads to his new life. Antanas’ name means immeasurable worth which connects back to the way Jurgis and Ona cared for him because he was their only child.
Elzbieta is Ona’s stepmother and she is an older woman. She can be described as loving, hopeful, and strong. She’s one of the strongest characters in this story and puts a lot of faith in her family. Despite all the struggles the family encounters, she remains hopeful and is willing to do anything her family asks her to do. Her name means “God of plenty” which could mean the way that she served as everybody's strength when they were at their lowest.