(I wrote this on paper like two weeks ago but haven't uploaded it on to here) I am almost done with the book now. I feel like not so subtle Christ imagery has gotten even stronger, with the scene with the electroshock therapy. He lies himself down on the cross shaped table without the kind of fuss or fight you might expect from him. He even asks when he will get his crown of thorns, and obvious Jesus reference. Throughout the book though he has been a Jesus figure since he walked in, the other patients became sort of like his disciples, he takes them fishing (which I'm not completely sure but I think is something Jesus did with his disciples). In the movie he dies, and if this remains the same in the story, one could look at that as McMurphy dying for everyone else absolving them of their sins in a way.

I also think that the book makes Ratched (and most women in the book) appear as symbolic castrators. Ratched is emasculating in a way, she refuses to acknowledge sexual impulses which may be sort of a representation of society and its desire to squelch the overt sexuality of man. McMurphy is very free sexually, but his desires are uncouth and not really accepted in society. Nurse Ratched, even with her large breasts which most would consider an indication prominent sexuality refuses to acknowledge them. She even condemns Billy when he has relations with Candy, she threatens to tell his mom (also portrayed as castrating) and Billy having just have symbolically gained his manhood, kills himself. When McMurphy rips her clothes, showing her skin it pushes her to be seen as a human being, who possesses human qualities, including been both seen as a sexual figure and innate sexuality which she has tried to conceal. She like society, represses sexual urges and feelings by shaming those who admit or act upon them into feeling like they are abnormal. McMurphy accepts his sexual desires as part of not just who he is but also part of a natural human life.