ipl-logo

The Role Of A Christ Figure In One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

759 Words4 Pages

Throughout literature, many characters take the role of a Christ figure, resembling Jesus Christ. Along with other similar characteristics, a Christ figure is a martyr who sacrifices himself for the betterment of those around him. Prime examples of this archetype include the characters of Phineas, R.P. McMurphy, and Lucas Jackson. Ultimately, a Christ figure may be sacrificed for the betterment of those around him. Although upsetting, McMurphy’s death in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was beneficial to those around him. It allows Chief to make his decision of escaping the ward along with leaving behind his rebellious nature among the other patients. Luke’s ultimate sacrifice from Cool Hand Luke benefits others in a similar way. Similar to McMurphy, Luke was rebellious and his prisonmates idolized him for it. His death was not a total loss as Luke leaves behind the rebellious tendencies in his peers. A Christ figure’s sacrifice is commonly the result of a betrayal of a Judas-esque character. A Separate Peace describes the story of life in a boarding school in the early nineteen forties. When talented athlete Finny falls out of a tree and breaks his leg, his best friend Gene is to blame. Through a series of events, the breaking of his leg causes Finny to die. Though it may have been unintentional, Gene being …show more content…

Luke’s trial with the fifty eggs definitely caused him suffering as his efforts to complete the bet went all the way to the last second of the hour with a bloated stomach. As well as the eggs, Luke also voluntarily took on suffering during his boxing match with Dragline. He repeatedly stood back up after getting punched just to get punched again. As a result of getting into a fight to protect his friend, McMurphy is required to undergo shock therapy treatment. Although not necessarily voluntary, McMurphy certainly suffered through the fatiguing

Open Document