Wednesday, January 23, 2008

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest #1


Hello, my lovelies! This post begins our electronic journey together. To participate, respond to the question by posting a comment. Check back to read the class's responses, and feel free to respond to other's comments. Here are the rules:
1. Do not post any derogatory remarks- no swear words, racial slurs, stereotypes, etc.
2. Create an identity/nickname. Include your first name so I can give you credit (homework grade), but for safety and security reasons, do not post your last name. Ex: Sally549 or LisaLadybug
3. Practice honesty, tolerance, and appreciation for all viewpoints.

Question- What is your impression of the novel so far?
Post by Friday 12:00AM

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

First post.... I think that the book is great and funny, though I can't wait to find out what Mcmurphy does to the BIG nurse !)

lizziek said...

Some of it is kinda strange, but it is very interesting. McMurphy is funny. However, it's hard to tell if things are real or a hallucination, but I like it so far.

markpowell said...

Man... you guys sure jumped on it. I thought I'd be the first. Well I'm enjoying this book so far, and anticipating the events to come. Maybe because I've already seen the movie and know what to expect...

Unknown said...

The book is very interesting (best read we've had all year so far in my opinion). Like Matthew says, I'm always waiting for the next thing McMurphy does to annoy Big Nurse. It's just so hilarious to read.

Anonymous said...

McMurphy is hilarious and is my favorite character we've seen all year. I can't wait to see what he does next. He really brings a nice change to our trend of negativity: dystopia (BNW), failing US hegemony (Saturday), etc. Also, I agree with lizziek. It is a bit difficult to tell whether things are real or not, but it gives the book a strange sort of suspense.

I love the blog; you should give these assignments more.

StephenTheDark said...

Hmm...It strikes me as, quite frankly, strange. But it is entertaining. Not much else to say since we aren't very far yet...

Emily Zavitz said...

So, I checked the blog just in case anyone had posted a comment, and I am THRILLED!!!! I know, I'm a geek. Keep 'em coming!

Anonymous said...

This book is pretty awesome. I think that McMurphy's character is commanding and fun to read about (I kinda relate him to Mercutio). Although the print in the book's annoying small, the novel is fun because it's written from the viewpoint of a schizo (possibly) and it's also one of the only school assigned books I like reading. And of course, I can't wait to see what happens to the Big Nurse when McMurphy gets her panties in a bunch or whatever..

Anonymous said...

A good book. I really like the nature of the narration and the narrator, how women can unexpectedly turn into to tractors and men into rabbits. Keep things interesting and maintains the feel of insanity that any book written whilst on LSD is likely to achieve.
And McMurphy's cool. He reminds me of a more sinful Finny.

Anonymous said...

The book is okay. Even though sometimes I get confused and have to read some parts over again I have enjoyed reading the book so far.

Anonymous said...

Yay look I posted!! Lets see.. I think Ken Kesey was a very interesting man that wrote the book to make everyone look at life in a different point of view. But besides that I love it, it was hard to get into but it seems to me that I can't put it down now that the story has unfolded. I <3 McMurhpy!

Anonymous said...

I believe the book is a bit confusing in terms of determining whether the scenes are a hallucination or real, but it is quite enjoyable... especially confusing as I am currently having to read books for 3 classes lol.

Anonymous said...

Good book so far really interesting though I already know the book because I have seen the movie, its still interesting to see how Kesey wrote the book. Can't wait to finally learn if Chief is having hallunications or Kesey is just using metaphors!

Anonymous said...

Good book so far really interesting though I already know the book because I have seen the movie, its still interesting to see how Kesey wrote the book. Can't wait to finally learn if Chief is having hallunications or Kesey is just using metaphors! Disregard the above comment was looking how to post my bad

Anonymous said...

its good, i like how big nurse dominates!haha
i can tell how mcmurphy's charachter is really going to bug big nurse

Anonymous said...

Hey Ms. Zavtiz,
I love your idea of the online discussion. I finished the book, but after reading what everyone else said, I wanted to pop a hi. The book was really interesting. McMurphy was hilarious! Ratched seems to have the world domination persona. Totally not in your class but Vincent told me about the site. Delete my comment if it's not allowed.

Anonymous said...

I thought I would be one of the firsts.....but ok...
anyways. I like the book. I think I still need to read alot more to start "loving" it but I think it's good. I'm excited to c what hapens at the end of the first part,and I deffinetly think this is the best book we've read this year!

Anonymous said...

I think the book is okay. Its not my favorite so far but i am expecting it to get better. It is getting pretty funny so I cant wait to see what happens!

Anonymous said...

I think the book is very interesting. McMurphy is very funny and I can't wait to see what changes he will make to the ward.

markpowell said...

is this supposed to be such a strict question or are we supposed to be conversing with each other?

Anonymous said...

This book is really hard to read. Its kinda confusing but its not bad. Its got a pretty good plot and I like McMurphy. But it takes me like two hours to read a chapter.

Greggo my Eggo said...

So far, chief seems to be telling the story almost from the point of view of a journalist investigating the action behind the scenes, like the FOX I-team or Geraldo at Large, at the mental hospital. Besides that, the book is very interesting and attention grabbing most of the time.

Anonymous said...

It was an excellent idea to start this novel after completion of The Catcher in the Rye, as the language in that book was full of such repetitive slang that the wording of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is no bother at all by comparison.

Like others, I find the uncertainty of the status of Bromden's perceptions rather interesting. After becoming accustomed to Bromden's processing of the world, I simply cease attempting to differentiating and understanding any metaphors, which actually makes the book more enjoyable.

Anonymous said...

The book is a little confusing because i can't really tell what is real and what isn't. Also, it bothers me that the only character so far who realizes the mental institution is a horrible place and wants to change it is McMurphy. Therefore A Separate Peace is still at the top of my list for books we've read this year, but who knows, that could change by the end of the novel! (ellie)

Anonymous said...

Although I agree with the comments about how McMurphy is entertaining and a comical character. I have not been able to get into this book. It doesnt really grasp my attention like A Separate Peace and Brave New World did. But I've only read to part one so hopefully it will get better.I did read the back of the book though and it says that Big Nurse and McMurphy get into a fight. so im excited for that because I'm interested to see if McMurph will really stand up to Big Nurse.

Anonymous said...

so far, this book hasn't really caught my attention. some books pull me in right from the first page, but this one started off with a hallucination....kinda making me uninterested. however, i'm enjoying the conflict between Big Nurse and McMurphy, and for some reason i really like Harding. but so far i think i'm the only one

Richie said...

This book is strange, but i actually enjoy reading it. McMurphy's humorous thoughts and action differ greatly from the books we have already read(which i have not liked too much). Although it's not great, this book is solid and i don't mind reading it. :D

MichaelDay said...

I think the book is interesting. I like how theres a touch of exaggeration everywhere in the novel, and the hallucinations mix things up.

Anonymous said...

Hello Everybody!

So far the book has been the best book of the year (also the only book of THIS year). It's also quite interesting to have such an unreliable narrator, but that's part of what makes the book so interesting

Anonymous said...

it needs more dialogue, but i like it alot (especially compared to Catcher in the Rye). i thought that Chief and McMurphy would become better friends, but it doesn't look like that, yet at least. i dunno, i need to finish reading. . .

Anonymous said...

I like the book so far, but some parts are sort of long to read. I do agree with Lizzie that some parts are hard to separate hallucination from reality, but the author probably wanted it that way. Overall, the book is good and I really want to see some sort of climax happen.

Anonymous said...

I like this story so far, although i do think it is a little confusing and different at times. I like the plot so far and i'm interested to see how it will progress, I am wondering if big nurse and the other patients will find out that chief is not deaf and dumb, and if they do what will happen. Also, I'm interested to see what will happen between big nurse and Mcmurphy.

Anonymous said...

I actually like this book the best of the novels we've read so far this year. It interests me because it's different than any other book I've read. I do agree with some of the other comments in that it can be difficult to tell if the events are truly happening or if it's just Chief's hallucinations or even Kesey's metaphors. For some reason the book reminds me of a horror film with all these images flashing in and out.

Anonymous said...

I think that this book is one of the best ones we read so far. However, it is confusing to tell what is actually happening and what is just a hallucination but overall this novel is pretty interesting to read.

Anonymous said...

oops my bad i by accident clicked the anonumous botton but the comment above was from me

Anonymous said...

I've really enjoyed the book so far some of the long drawn out metaphors of machines make the book a little boring and confusing at parts but mcmurphy can always be counted on to be an interesting character that moves the plot line and adds a lot of humor. Also a lot of the other metaphors are very interesting. As vincent said this is def. one of the if not the best book we've read so far.

Anonymous said...

Hola~

My impression of the book so far is...well, mixed. I like the humour, but I'm not a fan of the dark aspects of the book so far. I also don't like Big Nurse's attitude towards the patients, or how she makes them get a lobotomy/EST for just about any little disorderly conduct. But overall, I'm excited to see what happens in the end.

Anonymous said...

I don't love this book so far. I think it's hard to focus on the plot with all the weird hallucinations Chief has. However, I like McMurphy's character, which makes the book somewhat enjoyable. Hopefully I'll get more into the story as I keep reading; I'm interested to see how things play out with Big Nurse and McMurphy.

Unknown said...

In response to what Mark said, I wish this blog had the function where we could reply to each other's posts. It would be more interesting if we could do that.

Connie said...

I really enjoy this book so far. It's definitely a great change from A Separate Peace and Catcher in the Rye for obvious reasons. Haha. Unlike some people, I personally love how the reader can't tell right off the bat what's real and what isn't. It presents a challenge and pretty much makes you want to analyze it and figure out what all the little symbols mean. Even through the seriousness of the conditions and events, there's a lot of humor. I love that kind of contrast in a novel.

Anonymous said...

"One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" , to me, has been one of those oh-man-i-gotta-sit-
down-and-focus-to-read-this books.. because it seems like in every page there's so much to take in and so much to figure out like Chief's hallucinations (which also add a little suspense to the story).

Unknown said...

Mrs. Zavitz, you should make a forum for this instead. That way we can edit our posts and reply and quote each other etc. :D

And to agree with connie, it is a VERY big improvement from Catcher in the Rye an A Separate Peace.

Anonymous said...

I really like the book so far. It isn't like anything I've read before, which makes it even more interesting. I also like how Kesey makes Chief go into these different visions, and us as the audience have to decode the real from the fantasy.

Anonymous said...

At first, the book seemed boring and not very interesting. It was hard for me to get into it. Now, it is becoming a little more interesting with each chapter. McMurphy's character has made the novel entertaining and I look forward to reading more about him.

JordanB said...

So far the book has been interesting, definately a step up from Saturday/A Separate Peace/ Catcher In The Rye. I'm looking forward to the heated battles between Big Nurse and McMurphy that are obviously forthcoming. I like the crazy (literally) characters, it brings a whole new part to the book.

Anonymous said...

So far, I like the book, although it is a little long at some parts. I do agree with Lizzie that it is hard to tell sometimes whether a part is a hallucination or reality. I can't wait for some sort of climax to happen!

Anonymous said...

So far, I like the book, although it is a little long at some parts. I do agree with Lizzie that it is hard to tell sometimes whether a part is a hallucination or reality. I can't wait for some sort of climax to happen! By the way, the identical post above was from alan in third period. I'm really spastic with blogs.

Anonymous said...

Hopefully this will actually go through as me and not anonymous...

TAAAMMY(: said...

Man, you guys are crazy. It's a pain reading through 49 comments. But I like this(: It's pretty awesome.

As for the book, I'm loving it. It was really confusing in the beginning with Chief being an unreliable character and all, but as you read more, you begin to understand his halluncinations. McMurphy is hilarious, I must admit. As said by other students, I can't wait to see what he does next. Chapters 7-11 were awesome. I think someone should do that at school [hah, .. just kidding.]

It's nice to have this mix between confusion and amusement, compared to Catcher in the Rye and A Separate Peace. It's almost like another type of novel, but at the same time, it's psychodrama, and can relate in tiny ways to what we've read.

The way Kesey presents this story is so different from any other novels that I've read - I'm really curious as to what's gonna come up.

.. That was long.

Unknown said...

I think we've all come to a consensus that the book is very humorous (in general) and that McMurphy is a very likeable character. Possibly due to our own tendencies as teenagers to rebel against a very strict authority (a far cry from Catcher in the Rye). I enjoy watching Big Nurse get angry; it gives me a certain amount of satisfaction because of issues with strict authorities (mainly certain teachers who are not to be named here).

I would like to reiterate how much I like this book. It's refreshing to read after the boredom of the previous two novels.

Anonymous said...

I like this book so far. Even though some parts are confusing, it's still enjoyable and exciting. I can't wait to see who's going to win the bet.

Anonymous said...

I think so far this book is interesting. I love how Chief describes his surroundings. However, it's dificult to understand the book due to the fact that everything Chief says could be taken literally or metephorically.
-Rachael Love

ChloeO said...

I really like how this book is set up. The reader can't tell what's real and what's not and makes us look at the situations as a whole and not detail by detail. Chief sees things as they seem, and not how they actually are which makes things interesting. It gives us more insight on his thoughts and the way he perceives situations, opposed to the actions of the other characters. I really like the book so far and I'm excited to read it!

Anonymous said...

I am enjoying the book so far. I've learned to appreciate the dynamics and development of the characters. In particular, I'm very pleased with the character foil of McMurphy and Big Nurse. I enjoy the nuances that let the reader infer conclusions on their own. For example, the way it is portrayed McMurphy represents the patients, but can never truly be one of them, was well woven into the plot's infrastructure. I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest unfolds.

Anonymous said...

So far the book is pretty interesting even though there are a few strange parts. I like the part where you dont know whats real and what isnt because it gives you a chance to sort of use your imagination and it keeps you wondering. I'm also very curious about chief because we dont know much about his personality...we know about everyone else but not chief. Its very mysterious.

Anonymous said...

There's something about compulsory reading that keeps me from enjoying it in the slightest. McMurphy is certainly an interesting character, and overall the plot is commendably gripping. Perhaps I would enjoy it more if I would start reading at home instead of reading it last minute the period bef- nevermind.

@Anonymous #1: Suck it up. Get a dog or something.

Unknown said...

It appears that we have a few (or maybe just one) people who find it necessary to post useless material ['Soometimes I feel like I belong in a mental ward. No one understands me..']['i'm sad heath ledger died']. Probably one person since the four posts were made in four minutes.

It's nice to go back and read the chapters twice because you pick up on things you missed the first time and you get another chance to figure out what is reality. This novel is actually fun to analyze, unlike previous novels.

Anonymous said...

And great job posting your full names everybody. Expect mysterious, unexplainable transactions on your credit cards soon.

Anonymous said...

The book is wierd, but i like to read it. I love Cheif's hallucinations and how they are crazy and strange but have truth behind them. McMurphy is my favorite character though because his goal is to get under the witch's skin. It's quite entertaining. This is my favorite book that we have read this year.

Anonymous said...

It is uncertain as to whether or not I will recall even one thing in a week's time following my glorious, triumphant, magnificent termination of this novel. Nonetheless, it can be said that thus far I have thoroughly enjoyed this novel as much as I would enjoy a hearty custard pie and a refreshing soft drink on a midsummer's afternoon. McMurphy is a delightful character. Perhaps if I was able, I would promptly request a tea and a luncheon of tender venison with him. Oh my, look at the time! I'm afraid it is time for me to 'hit it in' as is the popular term now! Mmm, Mother has prepared me my nightly warm glass of milk. Toodles! For the time being that is!

Anonymous said...

I only thought it proper to clarify that this is Kai. I must go to sleep now. Mother might get angry!

Unknown said...

The book is almost claustrophobic, being told from the perspective of a self-forced mute. So far at least, McMurphy is only the improbable idealist, someone that hopes for the very best atmosphere possible and is shocked when his visions of a happy ward don't come to fruition. And the character of the Big Nurse is all too realistic, I can think of several teachers I have had that are just like her. Not Mrs. Zavitz of course :)

Anonymous said...

I dont like this book at all. It's pretty boring and I have no clue what's going on.

Anonymous said...

I agree strongly with white lightning(sam d) that this book is very hard to interpret because of the vast amount of hallucinations and machine references. Though I think after reading for a while you start to get a sense of what is real and what is hallucination. Even the hallucinations have meanings behind them if you can figure them out.I like this book more than the last one because of the character of mcmurphy who is interesting and keeps my attention

Anonymous said...

I personally, love this novel. It's interesting to see the thoughts of a mental instituion's patient and see what they were like back then. I also think it's rather amusing...lol

Anonymous said...

sorry for being like two days late on my post but i thought i would do one anyway.... i havent gotten too into it yet. i like the idea of the blog!!!! :)

Anonymous said...

I really like the novel. It's pretty funny in some parts. Sometimes I have trouble telling the difference between a hallucination and whats actually happening. I'm interested to see what will happen in the end of the book.