Themes

Is McMurphy a metaphor for Christ?  A handy reference

To explore on your own or with classmates, consider this:

THEME:
McMurphy as Christ metaphor

ACTIVITY:
Based on the characterization of McMurphy and the listed scripture verses provided below, stage a debate as to whether McMurphy’s character is a valid Christ metaphor.

Verses:

¹⁶And as [Jesus] walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. ¹⁷Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." ¹⁸They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
– Mark 1 (New King James Version)

¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
– Hebrews 4 (New International Version)

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control
- Galatians 5 (New International Version)

 

OTHER THEMES to explore:
- Individual freedom & identity in society

- The role of laughter in therapy and healing

- emasculation of men by women

- struggle for power/control against authority

- self-expression as a power

- deafness, invisibility as a coping mechanism