Nurse Ratched
CharacterAbout
Nurse Ratched is a pivotal character in Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," embodying the oppressive authority often found in institutional settings. She is the head nurse of a psychiatric ward, where she exercises total control over the patients and staff through fear, intimidation, and manipulation. Her demeanor is characterized by a calm exterior that belies a ruthless determination to maintain order and suppress individuality. This facade of benevolence allows her to manipulate patients into revealing their deepest secrets, which she uses to shame and control them. Nurse Ratched's character symbolizes the dehumanizing effects of institutional power and the dangers of unchecked authority. Her methods include psychological manipulation, emotional abuse, and the strategic use of shame and guilt. Despite her sinister nature, she is also portrayed as a symbol of societal structures that prioritize conformity over personal freedom. Her character challenges the traditional depiction of nurses as nurturing figures, instead highlighting the potential for abuse within positions of power. Through her interactions, Kesey critiques the mechanization of human behavior and the erosion of individuality in controlled environments.
