Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Chief Bromden mean when he says, 'when the fog cleared'?
What does Chief Bromden mean when he says, 'when the fog cleared'?
He means when he became conscious and not groggy again after the shaving incident and when he was taking pills.
Where are Chief Bromden and the rest of the patients in Chapter 2?
Where are Chief Bromden and the rest of the patients in Chapter 2?
In the day room.
Why does Chief Bromden not remember anything?
Why does Chief Bromden not remember anything?
The orderlies have managed to get pills and other medicines down him.
How does Bromden know he didn't go to the Shock Shop?
How does Bromden know he didn't go to the Shock Shop?
After going to the shaving room, where was Bromden taken?
After going to the shaving room, where was Bromden taken?
What happens with the door every morning after breakfast?
What happens with the door every morning after breakfast?
What do most of the patients do unproductively in the day room?
What do most of the patients do unproductively in the day room?
What do residents (young doctors in residency) do with the patients?
What do residents (young doctors in residency) do with the patients?
What does BM stand for?
What does BM stand for?
Who are the others that come through the doors?
Who are the others that come through the doors?
Who is currently at the admission door?
Who is currently at the admission door?
Why is Chief unable to see the new admission?
Why is Chief unable to see the new admission?
What do Bromden and the new admissions typically see with the orderlies?
What do Bromden and the new admissions typically see with the orderlies?
How is Bromden able to identify the new admission?
How is Bromden able to identify the new admission?
Who doesn't look but sounds the same as Chief Bromden's papa?
Who doesn't look but sounds the same as Chief Bromden's papa?
Who tends to laugh a lot and enjoys gambling?
Who tends to laugh a lot and enjoys gambling?
Who is Cheswick?
Who is Cheswick?
How did McMurphy end up in the asylum?
How did McMurphy end up in the asylum?
What is the definition of psychopathic according to the courts?
What is the definition of psychopathic according to the courts?
What does 'poozle' mean?
What does 'poozle' mean?
What do the Black Boys do when Bromden asks for seconds for breakfast?
What do the Black Boys do when Bromden asks for seconds for breakfast?
What is Bromden forced to eat sometimes?
What is Bromden forced to eat sometimes?
How long has Bromden been in Seclusion?
How long has Bromden been in Seclusion?
Who is the Public Relations Man?
Who is the Public Relations Man?
How is Bromden usually able to see the new admissions?
How is Bromden usually able to see the new admissions?
How do admission people usually act?
How do admission people usually act?
What do the Black Boys do with McMurphy?
What do the Black Boys do with McMurphy?
Why do the Black Boys enjoy taking the patients' temperatures anally?
Why do the Black Boys enjoy taking the patients' temperatures anally?
What do the orderlies do so that no one hears screaming or other sounds?
What do the orderlies do so that no one hears screaming or other sounds?
What is McMurphy's personality like?
What is McMurphy's personality like?
Why does McMurphy have the instinct to pack his bags when he hears the sound of water?
Why does McMurphy have the instinct to pack his bags when he hears the sound of water?
What does McMurphy call one or all the Black Boys?
What does McMurphy call one or all the Black Boys?
How does McMurphy talk to the orderlies?
How does McMurphy talk to the orderlies?
What is the season in Chapter 2?
What is the season in Chapter 2?
What is the difference between McMurphy's and Public Relations' laughs?
What is the difference between McMurphy's and Public Relations' laughs?
What is eye-opening about McMurphy's laugh to Bromden?
What is eye-opening about McMurphy's laugh to Bromden?
Jokingly, why does McMurphy say he went to the mental hospital?
Jokingly, why does McMurphy say he went to the mental hospital?
Where did McMurphy used to work?
Where did McMurphy used to work?
What game does McMurphy want to play with Cheswick?
What game does McMurphy want to play with Cheswick?
What is unique about McMurphy's cards?
What is unique about McMurphy's cards?
How does McMurphy avoid being 'screwed' by one of the orderlies putting a thermometer up his butt?
How does McMurphy avoid being 'screwed' by one of the orderlies putting a thermometer up his butt?
Study Notes
Chief Bromden's Consciousness
- Chief Bromden's clarity described as "when the fog cleared" signifies regaining awareness after medication and sedation.
- He is located in the "day" room alongside other patients.
Memory and Medication
- Chief Bromden struggles with memory retention due to the orderlies administering pills and medications.
- His current situation in the "day" room indicates he has not been subjected to shock therapy.
Daily Routine in the Ward
- The day room door opens and closes frequently, reflecting the routine activity of new patients and visitors.
- Patients engage in unproductive tasks like jigsaw puzzles while awaiting interactions with new arrivals.
Interactions with Medical Staff
- Residents observe patients to assess their conditions prior to administering medication.
- The acronym "BM" stands for "Before Medication," marking a specific time for assessments.
New Admissions
- Various individuals, including family members and teachers, frequently enter, bringing moments of social interaction.
- Chief cannot see the new admission because he is restrained in his chair by Nurse Ratched.
McMurphy's Introduction
- R.P. McMurphy's demeanor is reminiscent of Chief Bromden’s father; he appears brave and defiant against the orderlies.
- McMurphy is characterized by a loud, confident personality and a love for gambling, frequently laughing.
Cheswick and Other Inmates
- Cheswick is depicted as a card player bullied by McMurphy, exhibiting signs of anxiety around authority figures.
McMurphy's Background
- McMurphy was sent to the asylum after the court labeled him "psychopathic" to avoid returning to prison, stemming from his disdain for the work farm.
- The sociopathic label implies violent behavioral tendencies as perceived by the court.
Patient Treatment and Environment
- Patients face humiliating treatment, such as being stripped and having their temperatures taken inappropriately by orderlies.
- The orderlies utilize loud sounds from water to mask any distress from patients’ treatment.
McMurphy's Distinct Traits
- Described with heavy-footed confidence, red hair, and a rugged appearance, his style contrasts with the sterile environment of the ward.
- His rebellious nature is highlighted by his interactions with the orderlies; he exudes a sense of independence.
Seasonal Setting
- The narrative is set during the fall season, symbolizing transition and change.
Laughter and Joy
- McMurphy's laughter is joyful and prominent, unlike the forced laughter of Public Relations, signifying a fresh perspective for Bromden.
- Bromden notes the significance of McMurphy’s laugh as it revitalizes his own spirits after years of repression.
Games and Leisure
- McMurphy proposes to play Pinochle with Cheswick, emphasizing camaraderie and leisure amidst the oppressive environment.
- His unique playing cards without face cards symbolize his distinct and unorthodox approach to life in the asylum.
Strategy Against Orderlies
- To avoid unwanted intrusion from orderlies, McMurphy cleverly involves an Acute in card games, maintaining his boundary.
Insightful Dialogue
- McMurphy humorously states he came to the hospital for entertainment purposes, reflecting his personality and outlook on their bleak situation.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 2 of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. This quiz covers important themes, character insights, and key events as experienced by Chief Bromden. Whether you're preparing for a discussion or just want to challenge yourself, this quiz is for you!
