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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 is the color on the coffee cup that Chief Bromden can't believe is really Nurse Ratched's lipstick?

2. When do the lights go out on the ward?

3. What is Chief Bromden sensitive to?

4. What does McMurphy do to get the attention of everyone?

5. Who are the black boys?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is so special about Harding in relation to the rest of the patients on the ward?

2. Why is Chief Bromden allowed to be in the meeting room when Nurse Ratched and the other members of the medical team are having a meeting?

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

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

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

6. When McMurphy rants about the state of affairs in the ward, how does Billy Bibbit respond?

7. How could Billy Bibbit be described?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nurse Ratched runs the ward with a briskness and calmness that in enviable in many ways. However, this lack of feeling also seems to create a higher likelihood of manipulating others for her own gain. That said, do you feel Nurse Ratched might do well to have some time in a mental ward herself? Why or why not? What are her main power issues and communication issues which need to be altered in order for her to live a more loving life?

Essay Topic 2

The patients of the ward all seem to have their own troubles and issues, but as a whole, they don't seem to be an unhappy bunch. Or do they? What signs do you see that point to the well being of the characters in this book? Which characters are more well adjusted than others? Why do you say this? Which characters are the least well adjusted? Why do you say this?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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