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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. Who says the men are not brave men like McMurphy is?

2. What is bothering McMurphy now that he has gotten his way?

3. Who explodes irrationally at Harding?

4. Where does Nurse Ratched go as the men are sitting in front of the TV in silent protest?

5. Who comes to visit while the group of patients is at the library?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What action does McMurphy take as a result of #29?

3. How will the men be punished for the rebellious behavior they exhibited during the World Series?

4. What does McMurphy see as his ticket out of the mental ward?

5. What has McMurphy's rebellious spirit caused the men of the ward to begin to do?

6. What is the cleaning crew of the mental hospital called?

7. Who is described as being alert and chipper, unlike other new admissions?

8. What does Nurse Ratched do during this meeting that unnerves the other people in the room?

9. How does Chief describe the days in the ward?

10. Why does Chief Bromden understand the sudden shift in McMurphy's behavior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story of McMurphy's childhood years shows the reader that he was not always as strong as he now is, that he had to learn that the only person who would take care of him was himself. Do you agree with this statement? Do you think this is a healthy mental state to live in or an unhealthy mindset? Why or why not? If McMurphy hadn't been ignored as a child, do you think he would have figured out the lesson on his own? Or do people need something horrible to happen before they can learn some lessons? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

McMurphy is accused of always 'winning things' as Chief Bromden puts it. What do you think this means to the other patients and to Chief Bromden? What are some of the things that McMurphy 'wins' on the ward? What are some of the things that McMurphy loses? Is it fair for McMurphy to be thought of as someone who is manipulating others? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

When the Chief finally decides to speak, he chooses to speak to McMurphy. This is not the only person that McMurphy helps to open up. Why do you think the patients trust McMurphy? What qualities does he possess that make him a confidant? Do you think McMurphy is actually helping in the patients' respective recoveries? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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