McMurphy, a main character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, taught me one, simple, powerful lesson about true courage. We often think skydivers and rock climber as a courageous people because they risk chance of falling and injury. However, when they finish, they actually have not really lost anything, and in fact they actually have gained an exhilarating experiences. This is not a true courage.
McMurphy was no more than a patient, but he courageously stood up against an undefeatable and overwhelming Nurse Ratched and the system to bring a change to the hospital and its patients. For instance, to demonstrate other patients that they could stop Nurse Ratched’s control, he put himself at risk by refusing to follow daily route schedule and watching TV. He also took ten patients outside hospital for fishing to make them realize that they are strong by making them catch a huge fish. These were a huge risk for McMurphy. By breaking the rule, he was forced to take electroshock therapy and lobotomy. He really risked his life to bring freedom to patients.
McMurphy’s willingness to face fears and vulnerabilities for other patients has really made a lasting impression on me. He taught me that true courage require putting something at risk like our self-importance, freedom, and life.
McMurphy was a true courageous man!
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