The Turning Point

In the beginning of the novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, McMurphy is perceived as the witty, fearless leader of the ward who makes constant attempts to get under the Big Nurse's skin. But as the novel proceeds to Part Two, McMurphy's attitude changes from rule breaker to rule abider. Why does McMurphy's change in attitude occur? What is his turning point?

In Chapter Three of Part Two, McMurphy has a conversation with the lifeguard about the ward vs. jail. While McMurphy is convinced that the ward is much better than jail, the lifeguard convinces him differently. "You're sentenced in a jail, and you got a date ahead of you when you know you're gonna be turned loose" (Kesey 170). The lifeguard goes on to explain that you leave when the Big Nurse wants you to leave. If she says you aren't ready, for whatever reason that may be, you could be trapped in the ward for years. It is at this point when McMurphy's priorities change. He originally was only concerned with defeating the Big Nurse, but now he's concerned about getting out of the ward - and in order to get out of the ward, you must be on your best behavior.

Up until this point, McMurphy's rebellious attitude was a symbol of hope for the other patients on the ward. McMurphy gave those men the strength to stand up for themselves, rather than giving in to the Big Nurse's outrageous rules. But then McMurphy, in a sense, turned his back on the other men and ended up giving in to the Big Nurse. He's giving her exactly what she wants: obedience and control.

While the other patients are confused by McMurphy's timid attitude and think it's just part of his scheme, Chief has it all figured out. "McMurphy was doing the smart thing. I could see that." ... "I told myself that over and over: It's safe. Like hiding. It's the smart thing to do, nobody could say any different. I know what he's doing" (Kesey 174).

Lena Peak