Symbolism

Archetypal symbols: symbols, character types, and plot lines that trace back to original models or patterns, especially in early myths, folktales, fairytales, and religious writings:

* The fishing trip symbolizes the unity of the group
* The fishing trip (or the sea) provides the men with a renewed source
of life.
 

Conventional symbols: objects that have significance outside literary works and can carry that significance into a work. Objects such as a national flag, a dove, a Star of David, etc, are all conventional symbols. These are objects that can be seen and touched, but they also ripple with associations and meanings particular groups have consciously agreed to assign them.

*Keys- represent the overriding symbol of authority

*Cigarettes- represent freedom, provide the men with a
makeshift currency, make the males feel like men instead of children

*Pornographic playing cards- signifies McMurphy's rebellion
against authority
 

Style: The manner in which a writer uses words, constructs sentences, incorporates non-literal expressions, and handles rhythm, timing, and tone, all resulting in the effectiveness and individuality of a writer's work.

* The word choice, or diction of each of the characters reflects their personality type:

*Nurse Ratched speaks extremely professionally

*Billy Bibbit's speech is plagued by a stutter

* Rhythm is the pattern of flow and movement created by the choice of words and the arrangement of phrases and sentences

*The rhythm of Chief Bromden's narration is slow and deliberate. This is an adequate representation of his character, who spends his days as an observer stuck in this hospital ward with no one to speak to and in no apparent hurry to leave
 

Tone: The attitude or "stance" the story takes toward the characters and actions:

* Cuckoo's Nest opens with a somber and desperate tone. Until McMurphy's arrival, the tone is foreboding. With McMurphy's arrival, the tone turns more hopeful and even comical. In fact, one of the most comical scenes occurs right around the climax, which occurs with the suicide of Billy Bibbit. The climax then shifts the tone back to one of desperation.

Foreshadowing: In drama, a method used to build suspense by providing hints of what is to come.

*McMurphy's history of assaults

*Billy Bibbit's first suicide attempt

*McMurphy's escape over the fence on the Chief's back

*McMurphy's zombie walk after electroshock therapy

*Blood on the starched white uniforms
 

(compiled by K. Gibson)