OFOTCN post 4

Now that I have reached the end of the novel, I feel that I am starting to understand the mechanical imagery in the text. Originally, I had thought that the mechanical imagery was something unique to the ward and the hospital, showing the author's criticism for mental institutions. However, when the chief is recalling his father's story to McMurphy, he speaks about "The Combine" and says that "It worked on him for years." This suggests that the image of the combine exists in ordinary life, an idea that is confirmed when the patients go out on a fishing trip. As they are driving along, the chief comments on how he can "see the signs of what the Combine had accomplished..."

After this realization I think that the image of machinery is meant to be critical of society as a whole. In particular, it criticizes the idea that anyone who is too strong for society, that they might find large and threatening, they tear apart because of their strength.

This idea is further emphasized by the fishing trip itself. While on the boat, the imagery of machinery is completely gone and is not once mentioned. Additionally, we see the characters in a different light here, where they no longer seem like patients but like regular people. It is even stated after they return that something has changed.

"They could sense the change that most of us were only suspecting; these weren't the same bunch of weak-knees from a nuthouse that they'd watched take their insults on the dock this morning."

When they return to the hospital, Nurse Ratched gives everyone an idea that McMurphy is doing everything only to benefit himself. However, it becomes obvious that everything he does is only for the benefit of others. On the boat, he keeps his life jacket, allowing others to "be the hero" and become bigger by giving theirs up.
As time goes on, it seems that McMurphy also becomes more and more tired which I would say is due to the fact that he has given his energy to the others. It is as if by building them up, he is draining himself and giving them everything he has.

The idea that he gives everything he has into them is truly present when McMurphy refuses to escape when given the chance, and instead tries to choke Nurse Ratched. Instead of getting out, he gives up his life to fight for the rights of the other members of the ward. After his death, the other members find ways to get out of the ward, and his death is a final blow to Nurse Ratched. She leaves for a week and when she returns she does not have the power she once did. Additionally, McMurphy gave chief the power to finally escape from that place. Many of the other patients left as well, and some went to other institutions instead.

Though at times McMurphy had selfish intentions, he gave up everything he had to make life better for the members of the ward. He taught them how to be big, and not let the "Combine" tear them apart, and he taught them how to laugh again, and be themselves. Essentially, McMurphy joining the ward was a cure for the other members, who never would have escaped the perpetual "fog" without his rebellious tendencies and his strong beliefs.