Gray In 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest'

Words: 1342
Pages: 6

50 Shades of Gray In literature, the traditional themes of right and wrong, once depicted as clear as black and white, are now revealing shades of gray. As the boundaries of common literature are pushed, hidden complexities and deeper meanings emerge from timeless poems and stories. Themes previously considered straightforward are now being scrutinized, particularly in relation to objectionable material such as racism, violence, and sexual situations. While some argue that these elements, while contributing to the structure of the stories, are unsuitable for the classroom, the key lies in understanding the context of the times. These controversial components add realism and depth to the narratives, fostering a sense of relatability and engagement …show more content…
Through the book we see that each character, regardless of race, is treated poorly, but we also see that the minority patients also face another wave of this suffering simply because of their heritage. Lord's assessment highlights that the novel doesn't have one standout character or situation representing its time, nor a clear hero or villain. Yet, it effectively contrasts the East and West Coasts and individualism and community. The literary value of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" justifies its retention in the school's curriculum despite objectionable material, as it offers valuable insights into societal power dynamics and individual autonomy. The first example of this would be the fog that gradually increases and decreases depending on the influence Nurse Ratched has on the patients. “The Fog” Represents Nurse Ratched’s power over the ward, as her influence grows stronger the ward seems to become filled with Fog, making it harder for the patients to keep themselves coordinated. The passage from Kunz describes Bromden's struggle to differentiate between fantasy and