One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Style and Technique

Ken Kesey's novel «One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest» is distinguished by its vivid and expressive style, combining elements of realism and symbolism. The language of the work is rich with metaphors and symbols, allowing for a deeper exploration of the characters' inner worlds and the atmosphere of the psychiatric hospital. The author employs stream of consciousness, especially in the descriptions of the world as perceived by the main character, Bromden, which helps convey his mental state and subjective perception of reality. The structure of the novel is linear, but the narrative is from Bromden's perspective, adding subjectivity and depth. Literary devices such as irony and sarcasm are used to critique society and the system depicted in the book. Kesey masterfully creates tension and drama through dialogues and the characters' internal monologues, making the novel dynamic and emotionally rich.