One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Humor Analysis

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The use of humor to alleviate the dull reality of life is used in Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which supports the idea that one's own humor creates happiness in others and relieves stress much like in the critically acclaimed Christmas classic, Elf, starring Will Ferrell. Humor is used by Ken Kesey very prominently especially when the patients do not seem to have the ability to laugh at anything nor find anything funny. The patients live a very dull life in which they repeat their monotonous cycle of life in the ward. They no longer have known what it is like in the norm because of the Big Nurse wears them down with the oppressive nature of the Combine. For example, on their fishing excursion McMurphy “knows [they] have to laugh at the things that hurt... to keep the world from running plumb crazy… he’ll let the humor blot out the pain” (Kesey 250). Accepting the absurdity and adopting a sense of humor is important to get through the negative and spread laughter and joy rather than accept the dull fate of ordinary life. McMurphy acts as a savior who brings happiness and vibrant life to the patients by exposing them to laughter and humor. McMurphy gives confidence to the …show more content…

Inherently, these movies give us a sense of nostalgia and longing for the happiness that the holiday season brings. These movies represent the idea that, in the midst of frigid and lonely winters, people can find solace with joy and unity. These movies share the same mission that Buddy and McMurphy share in which they spread happiness through comedy and try to alleviate pain and bring people back into a state of cheer whether if it’s for Christmas or for the happiness of

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