McMurphy's Behavior example essay topic

Theoretical Approaches 2 Many theoretical approaches may be used when assessing the behavior of the characters in "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest". The characters are thought to be mentally ill, however when examining them through the use of the theoretical approaches one realizes that there may be no problems with the characters at all. Nurse Rachet, a head nurse that conducts group therapy and dispenses medications, could be responsible for the character's behavior. Nurse Ratchet consistently talks to the characters about their supposed problems during the group therapy sessions.

She forces Martini and Billy Bib bett to discuss their problems during nearly every group therapy session they have. She is therefore reinforcing the problems that they are believed to have, ultimately making them feel mentally unstable and unable to leave the facility. It is interesting to note that only two people in mental hospital have to be there, the others are free to leave when they feel they are healed. Nurse Rachet is using what has been defined as the labeling theory. Nurse Rachet is in a position of power, which makes the labels she gives the characters hold true not only to outsiders, but also to the characters themselves. "Once a person is designated abnormal, all of his other behaviors and characteristics are colored by that label" (Rosenhan p. 4).

The exact opposite is shown when Nurse Rachet is not around. McMurphy treated the other characters as normal; therefore he received a normal reaction from them. The fishing trip may be used when illustrating this aspect of the labeling theory. McMurphy portrays all of the patients as doctors when they arrive to the boat, which reinforces that fact that they too can be whatever they wish to be.

McMurphy also treats Theoretical Approaches 3 the characters as responsible individuals, giving them all tasks to do on the boat. For example, some of the characters were in charge of getting the boat out of the dock, some were in charge of steering, and others were to catch fish. This just goes to show that "a psychiatric label has a life and an influence of its own" (Rosenhan p. 5). Depending on the treatment they received the patients reacted in what was deemed to be appropriate behavior; when they are treated with respect they act like normal people, but when they are treated as ill, they react as if they are ill. The interaction ist perspective can be used to understand other types of abnormal or deviant behavior as well. "Also looking at deviance from the interaction ist perspective, David Matz a (1964) noted that this movement into deviant subcultures occurs through a process of "drift", as people gradually leave their old crowd and become enmeshed in a circle of deviant associates" (Adler p. 50).

This is precisely what happened when McMurphy entered the hospital. At first the other characters were quite up hauled by McMurphy's behavior, however as time progresses they begin to join McMurphy. The baseball games are prime examples of this perspective. Originally, no one wanted to vote to watch the games, but at a later date all of the patients wanted and voted to see the game. McMurphy also reacted with hostility and rage toward the staff at the facility, and in turn the other patients began to react in the same manner. This perspective may not be the only thing that allies characters.

McMurphy and his approach to dealing with the other patients helped too. Symbolic interaction ism can be used to help the viewer understand the patient's behavior. The symbolic interaction theory would suggest that one's behavior be based on Theoretical Approaches 4 how they are judged by others. In the mental hospital the characters are seen by others as mentally ill, therefore they internalize these judgement's and they themselves began to feel as if they are mentally unstable. Though these feelings may not be true it is the internalization of these thoughts that begin to shape the behavior of the patients.

The Chief can be better understood when using this model. The Chief came from a family of alcoholics and he liked to drink also. His history and his status at that time led others to feel that he had a problem, making him feel as though he was a misfit and needed to seek help for his problematic behavior. There are numerous theories to use that could analyze the behavior of the characters in "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest".

However the best theory may be the labeling theory. The labeling theory can be best shown when examining the behavior changes of the patients; when McMurphy is in charge and then again when Nurse Rachet takes over. This theory suggests that the characters may have no problems at all.