The Cuckoos Nest: Randal Mcmurphy As A Christ Figure
McMurphy as a Christ figure English 12 Pd 2 3/12/2008 In the book, One flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, a main character named Randal McMurphy has several connections where he is portrayed as a Christ figure. The Christian faith teaches that life is either sin or salvation. Preachers teach that all humans are sinners, yet capable of salvation. McMurphy, throughout the novel tries to show the other patients on the ward that they can get better and lead their lives their own ways. He also says lifes miseries are redeemed through laughter. The first reference to Christ is when Chief Bromden first introduces McMurphy to one of the chronics. Ellis has had many electric shock treatments and because of them, he adopts the pose of the crucifixion by
spreading his arms to the wall. Further more, when Harding explains EST to McMurhpy, he says, You are strapped to a table, shaped ironically like a cross and wear a crown of electric sparks in place of thorns. Christ brought his men a fishing trip in search of their identity. McMurphy takes 12 of the patients. The patients learn to embrace their identities and find who they are. This is symbolic because the patients will clinch the spirit of McMurphy just like the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit. The final party where all the patients are together is supposed to represent the last supper. It involves betrayal by a follower, death, and resurrection. The cough syrup spiked with vodka represents the wine. The two prostitutes at the party, Candy Starre and her friend, are there to resemble Mary Magdalene. Judis committed suicide after he betrayed Christ. Billy betrays McMurphy, and then kills himself (more out of fear of his mothers reaction to Candy). McMurphy knows that if he leaves after Billys death, his efforts would be in vein. The violent act at the end is the sacrifice he makes to guarantee his martyrdom. When McMurphy is lobotomized he gives up his identity. The Chief in favor, suffocates McMurphy And escapes from the ward. This parallels the apostles. After Christ died his men went out to spread the word. When the Chief escapes he too will go out and relate the life of McMurphy to others in the world.
spreading his arms to the wall. Further more, when Harding explains EST to McMurhpy, he says, You are strapped to a table, shaped ironically like a cross and wear a crown of electric sparks in place of thorns. Christ brought his men a fishing trip in search of their identity. McMurphy takes 12 of the patients. The patients learn to embrace their identities and find who they are. This is symbolic because the patients will clinch the spirit of McMurphy just like the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit. The final party where all the patients are together is supposed to represent the last supper. It involves betrayal by a follower, death, and resurrection. The cough syrup spiked with vodka represents the wine. The two prostitutes at the party, Candy Starre and her friend, are there to resemble Mary Magdalene. Judis committed suicide after he betrayed Christ. Billy betrays McMurphy, and then kills himself (more out of fear of his mothers reaction to Candy). McMurphy knows that if he leaves after Billys death, his efforts would be in vein. The violent act at the end is the sacrifice he makes to guarantee his martyrdom. When McMurphy is lobotomized he gives up his identity. The Chief in favor, suffocates McMurphy And escapes from the ward. This parallels the apostles. After Christ died his men went out to spread the word. When the Chief escapes he too will go out and relate the life of McMurphy to others in the world.