Sunday, August 7, 2011
I Can't Believe I'm Making This Comparison...
In Chapter 14 of Foster's book, he discusses the use of "Christ-figures" in literature, and citing ways to identify said figures. Now, as I said in the title, I can't believe I'm actually trying to make this comparison, but McMurphy from One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest could be interpreted as a Christ firgure. If you've read the book, you'll understand how absurd this comparison sounds, but it does have some validity to it. Upon reaching the ward, McMurphy immediately gathers a following of nearly all the patients on the ward. Disciples, if you will. Once he sees how miserable the nurse keeps the patients, he sets out to end it. Maybe not to redeem the ward, but to give hope, perhaps? When McMurphy attacks the nurse, he essentially sacrificed himself to free the ward, resigning him to be lobotomized. Not crucifixion, but the procedure does leave a pretty nasty scar on one's head. After the lobotomy, McMurphy might not be in any physical agony, but I'm sure the loss of one's basic voluntary brain function can be considered some form of torment. In the end he did become somewhat of a Christ figure, while at the same time upending all the morals that Jesus advocated. Ironic, ain't it?
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