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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Nurse Ratched reprimand McMurphy for not letting the aides do?

2. Why is Chief Bromden in the meeting room?

3. What do Nurse Ratched and McMurphy battle about?

4. Are the men mad at McMurphy for his actions in #64's answer?

5. Who said that he would never make his mark as the head man of the crappers?

Short Essay Questions

1. Harding's wife comes to visit, causing everyone to see why she upsets him so much. What is McMurphy's reaction when Harding asks McMurphy his opinion of his wife?

2. What is the punishment for the men after the incident in #3 takes place?

3. When Nurse Ratched tells McMurphy that he can not wear a towel when walking around in the ward, what does McMurphy do?

4. How could the patients of the ward be described?

5. Why does the shaving of his head upset Chief Bromden?

6. Which patients are the ones whose brains have been altered beyond repair from shock therapy and tranquilizers?

7. What do the patients do when Nurse Ratched tells them to get away from the TV?

8. While the men understand McMurphy's change in behavior, what tragic event occurs that makes the ward go back to its normal routine?

9. Who is the narrator of the story?

10. When McMurphy tries to get the men to agree to watch the World Series, the second vote yields more votes than the first, but why isn't it valid, according to Nurse Ratched?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Harding is the character in the story that seems to be the most well-adjusted, aside from McMurphy. So, why do you think he is in the ward to begin with? Is he hiding from his wife or is he genuinely trying to change himself? Why do you think he has so many troubles with his wife in the first place? Why do you think Harding married his wife?

Essay Topic 2

Randle McMurphy comes into the ward like a madman - which is interesting enough, given the circumstances. However, he's not crazy, at least, the reader isn't lead to believe so. However, at times, it does seem like he is someone that could benefit from therapy and even medications. Do you think McMurphy should be in the ward? Why or why not? Do you feel he needs professional help? Why or why not? Do you think McMurphy believes he needs any help at all? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The trips the patients take seem to be the times when the patients are the happiest. Why do you think this is the case? Is it merely because of the change of scenery or because of the trips' activities? Do you think these trips were a good idea for the patients? Why or why not? Were these trips a good idea for the nurses who allowed them? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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