The second part of the novel becomes a lot more interesting as the
characters are much more developed. I love how Chief Bromden develops and
evolves with the help of McMurphy. It’s
really touching to see that there is compassion and caring that is emitting
from McMurphy and that he is actually starting to care a lot more about the
well being of others. I believe this is
based on the fact that McMurphy had discovered that he wouldn’t be going
anywhere any time soon, and so he had to make the best of it. This relates back to the religious theme of
Christ, as when they go fishing there are 12 of them, which compares to Jesus
and his 12 disciples. Jesus was a
compassionate man and cared about others, and it shows it is demonstrated in
McMurphy, as well that he is a tragic hero.
It is also shown that Chief Bromden is talking, all thanks to McMurphy just being there, open to whatever needs to be said. I
believe there is a certain amount of foreshadowing that has taken place, but I
do think that something bad will be happening in the future as Nurse Ratched
has been far too reserved.
I think that people having
compassion for others, and trying to make light of a negative or otherwise dull
situation makes a lot of changes to an individual or group’s outlook on
life. Many people don’t realize the
effects that a kind word or gesture has on someone, especially if you had no
idea they may be going through. I have
faith that if everybody took a moment in their busy lives to consider someone
else’s feelings for once, the world would be a much better place. I personally have been trying to make an
effort to do this, and it makes you feel great when you can see the impact
(whether big or small) that it can have on somebody’s life. You may also just be satisfied that you are
reaching out and not staying closed off in your own selfish world.
You could definitely say that
looking at the aspect of mental health in the world, doctors usually just to
try to perscribe medication to solve the problem. Maybe this should be re-evaluated? Maybe an individual with mental health
problems really just needs someone to pay attention to them, to take time out
of their day to actually listen and care about the issues they are having,
instead of sticking to the 5 minute time slot.
If someone took the time to actually see the improvement in a patient’s
behaviour and/or feelings, and it was legitimately done without any medication,
the difference that it would make would be enormous. Individual’s with mental health problems
don’t need to be shunned because they need help; they need to be accepted and
given an opportunity to actually try and deal with the problems or demons that
have been in their lives. I think that a
lot of the mental health problems stem from something underlying in the
subconscious of that person’s mind, and it bothers them so much that they can’t
make it go away, and so it transforms into a different problem, rather than
what it was in the beginning.
I also enjoy the bond Chief is feeling towards McMurphy it seems to be bringing him out of his shell. I think it could be because McMurphy reminds him of his father. I notice the change of Murphy caring when he has the conversation with the other patients about how they are weak and he is strong. I think this may make him feel like he should defend them. I see where your coming from about small gestures to make others day better. I work at a coffee place next to the addictions clinic down town. A lot of my customers suffer mental health issues and I think it honestly makes them feel better or brightens their day when you treat them like they don’t have a handicap.
ReplyDeleteEven though things have changed since when this book is written I agree that doctors seem to be handing out drugs to easily rather than looking to the route of the person’s problem. Currently 3 children in every class have to take Ritalin for A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. although many of them probably need this drugs I’m sure there is high percentage that just need extra attention. Instead of getting that attention they are given drugs and this could develop in to other problems in the future.
This reminds me about my blog that I wrote for part 2 of the book. The book has become a lot more interesting now that the characters have developed and there roles in the story have become more distinct. I agree that Nurse Ratched will do something bad soon since she has been very reserved and the fact that McMurphy is starting to obtain a sense of leadership amongst the other patients I can see Big Nurse doing something bad in particular to McMurphy and I’m curious to see what she is going to do. You’re totally right when you say that if everyone were to try and put other peoples feelings before their own sometimes the world would become a much better place to be in. The simple thing that people do although they may not seem big deffinatley does add up and brings a positive feel to things. Although people are so accustomed to the way the world treats mental health patients I agree that the way we treat or “cure” mental patients should be re-evaluated instead of throwing chemical in-balances (prescription medication) with another chemical in-balance (patient’s brain). I’d like to think there is a more natural way to help mental patients seeing as I live with two mentally unstable people in my house and the prescription they are given can only do so much for so long. Interesting thought on how these mental issues are developed I can see how a person could basically think something eventually become true. I personally try my best to be patient with both of my grandmothers, one suffers from dementia and one suffers from schizophrenia but it does become such a pain sometimes and I know they cannot help it but I find taking the dogs for walks with them and simple things like that can totally relax them and it almost seems that they are at peace for a while. Great blog I enjoyed reading it and writing this reply!
ReplyDeleteHeyyy
ReplyDeleteGreat job , I understand McMurphy bring the christ figure so much better with that comparison. haha and dont worry, you didn't ruin the book for me. I actually understand it better, so thanks. I really liked what you said about showing compassion for other can go a long way. Thats where I can relate the most to your blog. I’ve always been kind to others, but sometimes you just have one of those days where you just dont want to deal with people. In those cases I can rude and very unkind, and that’s when i really see the different between the two. Showing kind gestures and compassion for others can go such a long way, put smiles on peoples faces. If you say good morning of hello to someone you normally dont talk to, it might just make there day. Although I am a very negative person I try my best show my positive side. Although it takes an effort to show kind gestures, in the end they are always worth it. Being selfless and staying closed can be very difficult, but once you open up, it just becomes easier and easier. I also agree with you on the point that if we took the time to see the improvement in patients without medicine and the difference it would make. I think people seek the aid or medicine before anything else, because its all at easy access to us. Before medicine was invented, people got cured somehow. The main reason people turn to medicine quickly is because they are sure it will work. Well not all medicine works, I heard about a girl who had cancer and she was in the hospital for a while and her cancer just wasn’t going away. The doctors said the she would not live much longer, and so the parents contacted the Make a Wish Foundation. The girl wished to go to Disney World in Florida, she spent a week there, and when she returned home, the doctors did all her regular check ups and found that the cancer was cured. The little girls cancer went away because she was happy and worried about dying and living her life. This is where Carpe Diem also comes in, to sieze the day. Live everyday to the fullest. Well to sum up, i really liked your blog. Haha im running out of time.
wow i really had never thought of medical prescriptions the way you say in your blog, and i agree with you completely, i think that all the medications and prescriptions that are given to the patients with mental help are not all necessary for them to get better and i think that it is a better medicine to talk to someone and pay attention to them than just given them drugs and instructions, for me it seems more humanly to communicate with them. i also see the world from your point of view and i try to socialize and give complements and help people if they want help because a small action will make an impact on someone else and for me there is no greater reward than to do a favor for someone and see how happy they are and for them to have a blog smile makes me happy, and the world would be a better place if there were more people thinking of doing things for others and not just for themselves. i also like the fact that mcmurphy is changing and becoming a better person, and i had not realized that he was a tragic hero so that is really good observations you have made. I also have the feeling that something bad is going to happen and that big nurse is just going to explode bad results will come from this, mcmurphy pushed the nurses buttons too much and after the last thing he did at the end of part 2 I think he will get punished even do he did it for a good reason which is to lead the others in rebelliousness, the big nurse is not going to accept anymore bad behavior. In conclusion I really liked your post it made me think about the characters and what the world s like so good job =)
ReplyDeleteKenzie - good character analysis. We haven't gotten to the fishing trip yet... be careful you don't jump ahead in your posts :) I like your comment about considering other people's feelings, it reminds me of the concept of "pay it forward" :)
ReplyDeleteJacqueline - well said about ADHAD and drugs. So many students are diagnosed who may just really be active, rambunctious kids.
Dylan, Safia and Ana - thanks for sharing your personal experiences.