English12R

Williams and Warren’s behavior toward Chief Bromden could best be described as…Cruel or Kind. Explain

Cruel because they are abusive/manipulative and disrespect and exploit Chief Bromden

Why did Nurse Ratched speak with Billy’s mother near the beginning of the play?

Nurse Ratched wanted to understand Billy’s background and mental state

As explained on page 14 McMurphy doesn’t argue with the courts ruling that he is a psychopath and has to be put in a mental institute because he believed life in a mental institute would be perferable to the Work Farm. What do you think? Is a mental institution preferable? Explain below

Disagree. I think it’s better he served his time in a Work Farm to think about the things he’s done.

What does it mean to be a acute (pg 15.)

severe and short-term

What does it mean to be chronic (pg 15)

persistent and long-term

In Act 1, McMurphy’s interactions with Nurse Ratched could BEST be described as… Tranquil or Truculent. Explain

Truculent. McMurphy is defiant and confrontational towards Nurse Ratched

List a minimum of 5 rules that exist in the ward

1. Basic guidelines of patient behavior

2. Respecting others

3. Participating in therapy sessions

4. Scheduling

5. Adherence

McMurphy did some research before he came to the ward. He says “nearly half of you boys in here pull compensation, there, four hundred dollars a month.” What does this mean?

Many patients receive financial compensation, possibly disability benefits

During Group Therapy, Billy discusses his problem. What does he say it is?

His fear of disappointing his mother

What is unusual about Dr.Spivey’s behavior when he arrives late to the Group Therapy session. Consider the ‘rank’ of Doctor versus Nurse

It’s seen as very disrespectful

According to Dr.Spivey, the principle of the Therapeutic means, “the ward is society in miniature, and since society decides who is sane and who isn’t, you must measure up. Out goal here is a completely democratic ward, governed by the patients-working to restore you to the Outside.The important thing is to let nothing fester inside you.” (pg 23) After reading Act 1 do you think the ward is a democratic and the patients help govern it? Explain

Disagree. No, the staff retains control and manipulate the patients, the patients don’t get a say at the ward. Dr.Spivey was just saying to make the ward seem like a safe enviroment and place for everyone, when reality is that it isn’t.

Why do you think McMurphy gets so angry when the group is discussing Harding’s issues concerning his wife?

He thinks the group focuses on trivial issues, manipulated by staff to avoid real problems

After the group session, the narration reveals the following. “There is silence among the men, a subtle sense of shame at once again having betrayed one of their number. “ What do you think is meant by this?

Guilt for supporting a peer during therapy

Do you agree with McMurphy’s assesment on page 26 of group therapy as a “Pecking Party” Explain

Agree. It’s more critism and help. Everything is focused more on patients weaknesses, exploring others, and manipulations, not helping take care of the patients

How would you describe Harding’s feeling toward Nurse Ratched Abhor or Adore. Explain

He doesn’t like the way Nurse Ratched treat’s others with oppressive authority, and feels naunced by her presence.

What is EST as described on page 28

Electro-Shock Therapy

On page 30 McMurphy makes a bet with the gang. What is it?

He bets he can make Nurse Ratched lose her temper. He does this to get a response out of Chief Bromden

What makes McMurphy question wheather or not Chief Bromden is deaf?

He jumped when McMurphy came

On page 33 McMurphy asks Aide Warren for toothpaste. He is not allowed. Discuss the ridiculousness of Ward policy when it comes to the toothpaste rule.

It’s locked up until 6:45. Shows that the toothpaste is seen as dangerous showing dehumanizing control and oppressive power within the ward

How does Nurse Ratched shut down the idea of the carnival on the ward?

She vetos it and says there has to be a staff meeting about it

What happened to Billy, that began his stuttering?

Billy flubbed his words mama.

Why does McMurphy bet the other men he can lift the panel when he so obviously cannot?

To show the men that even if you can’t do something you need to try

How does McMurphy ‘win’ the battle against Nurse Ratched over the World Series

He uses Chief Bromden’s vote