One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Book Review

Ken Kesey's novel «One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest» is considered one of the most important works of American literature in the 20th century. Critics note that the book masterfully explores themes of individual freedom, power, and madness. The protagonist, Randle Patrick McMurphy, becomes a symbol of resistance against the repressive system embodied by Nurse Ratched. Kesey uses the psychiatric hospital as a metaphor for society, where the suppression of individuality and freedom leads to dehumanization. The vivid characters and tense plot make the novel captivating and profound. Critics also emphasize that the book raises important questions about the nature of power and human psychology, prompting readers to reflect on the boundaries of normalcy and madness. Kesey's style, rich in symbolism and metaphors, makes the work multi-layered and open to various interpretations.