One Flew Over The Cuckoo's NEST
Explore key themes and character dynamics in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' through this insightful quiz. Assess your understanding of symbolism, irony, and character development, enhancing your analytical skills in literature and psychology.
- 1.
The geese the Chief sees outside the hospital window symbolize
- A.
The idea that it is natural for a man to be an individual
- B.
Freedom
- C.
The Chief’s retreat from reality.
- D.
Nurse Ratched’s power to control the natural sexuality of the male patients
Correct Answer
B. FreedomExplanation
The geese the Chief sees outside the hospital window symbolize freedom. This can be inferred from the fact that the Chief describes the geese as flying "free and wild" and being able to go wherever they want. This contrasts with the Chief's own situation in the hospital, where he feels trapped and controlled. The geese represent the idea that it is natural for individuals to have freedom and autonomy, which is something the Chief desires.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The description of Harding’s hands is significant because
- A.
They give the reader a clue as to his sexual difficulties
- B.
Their large, meaty appearance contrasts with Harding’s meek manners
- C.
They have tobacco stains on the fingers, indicating that Harding is a chain smoker
- D.
Both A and B
Correct Answer
A. They give the reader a clue as to his sexual difficultiesExplanation
The description of Harding's hands giving the reader a clue as to his sexual difficulties suggests that there is a connection between his physical appearance and his struggles in the sexual aspect of his life. This implies that there may be some visible signs or characteristics in his hands that hint at his sexual difficulties, providing insight into his personal struggles and possibly adding depth to his character.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The fishing trip is good for the men because
- A.
They catch a large swordfish
- B.
They regain some of their lost courage and learn to laugh again
- C.
The Chief talks for the first time
- D.
Billy sleeps with Candy
Correct Answer
B. They regain some of their lost courage and learn to laugh againExplanation
The fishing trip is good for the men because it helps them regain some of their lost courage and learn to laugh again. This suggests that the men may have been going through a difficult or challenging time prior to the fishing trip. The experience of fishing and being out in nature allows them to relax, bond with each other, and find joy in simple pleasures. It serves as a therapeutic and rejuvenating experience, helping them to overcome their hardships and find happiness once again.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following statements about McMurphy is unquestionably true?
- A.
McMurphy is a psychopath because he lacks sound judgment and often acts impulsively in criminal or amoral ways.
- B.
McMurphy is at heart a con man who acts only for his own selfish gains.
- C.
McMurphy has lead a tough life with many fights, but his laugh is genuine.
- D.
McMurphy is secretly in love with Nurse Ratched.
Correct Answer
C. McMurphy has lead a tough life with many fights, but his laugh is genuine.Explanation
The correct answer suggests that McMurphy has faced numerous challenges and has been involved in many fights throughout his life. However, despite these difficulties, his laughter is genuine, indicating that he is able to find joy and happiness in spite of his hardships. This implies that McMurphy possesses resilience and a positive outlook on life.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The orderlies abuse the patients by
- A.
Cramming food into the chronics’ mouths more quickly than they can swallow it
- B.
Sexually abusing the men with thermometers.
- C.
Eating the food that was intended for the patients.
- D.
A, B, and C
Correct Answer
D. A, B, and CExplanation
The correct answer is A, B, and C. The given options describe different forms of abuse by the orderlies towards the patients. Option A states that the orderlies cram food into the chronics' mouths more quickly than they can swallow it, which is a form of physical abuse. Option B mentions the sexual abuse of the men with thermometers, indicating sexual abuse. Option C states that the orderlies eat the food intended for the patients, which is a form of neglect and mistreatment. Therefore, all three options describe different forms of abuse by the orderlies towards the patients.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following incidents from the story is an example of irony?
- A.
Vera Harding is a beautiful woman who is comfortable with her sexuality
- B.
Harding and most of the other acutes are in the hospital voluntarily, while McMurphy is committed to the hospital by a judge.
- C.
The Chief’s mother is a white woman.
- D.
Nurse Ratched is friends with Billy Bibbit’s mother.
Correct Answer
B. Harding and most of the other acutes are in the hospital voluntarily, while McMurphy is committed to the hospital by a judge.Explanation
The incident where Harding and most of the other acutes are in the hospital voluntarily, while McMurphy is committed to the hospital by a judge is an example of irony. It is ironic because typically, individuals who are in need of mental health treatment would be involuntarily committed, while those who voluntarily seek help are seen as more stable. However, in this case, the situation is reversed, highlighting the absurdity and injustice of the mental health system.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Cheswick and Billy both commit suicide because
- A.
Once they have tasted what it is like to be strong men, they cannot go back to being “rabbits.”
- B.
McMurphy makes Nurse Ratched so mad she takes her anger out on them, and makes their lives miserable.
- C.
They cannot live with the knowledge they are never going to leave the hospital.
- D.
They have had so much EST that they can no longer function as men
Correct Answer
A. Once they have tasted what it is like to be strong men, they cannot go back to being “rabbits.”Explanation
Cheswick and Billy commit suicide because they cannot go back to living a life of weakness and submission after experiencing the feeling of being strong and independent men. The idea of returning to a state of vulnerability and powerlessness is unbearable to them, leading them to choose death instead.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Nurse Ratched decides to keep McMurphy on the ward after McMurphy defies her authority when he pretends to watch the world series on TV because
- A.
Dr. Spivey and the other staff members side with McMurphy.
- B.
She is secretly in love with McMurphy and cannot bear to have him removed from the ward.
- C.
She knows if she moves him to Disturbed, he will then become a martyr to the other patients
- D.
She truly wants what is best for McMurphy, and she thinks she is the best one to help him overcome his mental illness.
Correct Answer
C. She knows if she moves him to Disturbed, he will then become a martyr to the other patientsExplanation
Nurse Ratched decides to keep McMurphy on the ward after he defies her authority by pretending to watch the World Series on TV because she knows that if she moves him to the Disturbed ward, he will become a martyr to the other patients. This implies that his actions will inspire and encourage the other patients to rebel against her strict rules and control. By keeping him on the ward, she can maintain her power and prevent any potential uprising among the patients.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following incidents from the story is an example of black comedy?
- A.
When McMurphy first arrives on the ward, he greets everyone including the chronics like they are normal men while skillfully avoiding the orderly with the thermometer.
- B.
McMurphy cheerfully plays monopoly with the men even though Martini is having hallucinations all through the game.
- C.
McMurphy is given a lobotomy because of his violent behavior
- D.
Both A and B
Correct Answer
D. Both A and BExplanation
Both options A and B from the given incidents can be considered examples of black comedy. In option A, McMurphy's greeting to everyone on the ward, including the chronics, as if they are normal men, while skillfully avoiding the orderly with the thermometer, can be seen as a darkly humorous moment. Similarly, in option B, McMurphy cheerfully playing monopoly with the men, even though Martini is having hallucinations throughout the game, showcases a comedic element in the midst of a serious situation. Both incidents highlight the ironic and absurd aspects of the story, which are characteristic of black comedy.Rate this question:
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- 10.
“Ratched” and “Big Nurse” are appropriate names for the nurse in charge of the ward because
- A.
The Chief thinks anyone who is strong or in authority is also physically large. Therefore, he refers to Nurse Ratched as the “Big Nurse.”
- B.
“Ratched” sounds like the tool called a “ratchet.” This name is appropriate because Nurse Ratched is a tool used by society to force the mental patients to conform to society’s rules.
- C.
Nurse Ratched is a tall, large-busted woman who uses her womanly curves to sexually tease the men.
- D.
Both A and B
Correct Answer
D. Both A and BExplanation
The answer is both A and B because the Chief believes that anyone in a position of authority is physically large, so he refers to Nurse Ratched as the "Big Nurse." Additionally, the name "Ratched" sounds like the tool called a "ratchet," which is appropriate because Nurse Ratched is seen as a tool used by society to enforce conformity among the mental patients.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 10, 2012Quiz Created by
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