Power and Ethics

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the themes of power and ethics are present due to the actions of the nurse, Ratched. Because she has connections to the top, beyond those of the doctors, she can direct any one she pleases to a lobotomy or electroshock therapy. These two procedures are know known to be very dangerous and outdated, yet Ratched disregards the ethical choices. The power of Ratched can also be represented by her choices as well. The authority that she held over everyone else was beyond what she can handle and deserve. This problem is present in todays world also. Not necessarily in the United States, but rather undeveloped countries. Few people maintain all the power and are able to make unethical decisions without second thought. These actions are very common by known dictators in world history, such as Hitler and Stalin. In these two situations, they had authority beyond what they were capable of controlling that eventually led to unethical decisions, much like the actions of Ratched.
Author: Tyler Andrews