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Adam asked this question about One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest:
I have long thought of this book as one of my favorites, but noticed some heavy racist and misogynistic undertones when I re-read it. Much of this was left out of the film. Does old fashioned sexism sully an otherwise great work of literature?
Sarah Fleming I don't think these undertones hurt the piece in any way. Especially those undertones stemming from McMurphy. After reading it, it seems obvious that …moreI don't think these undertones hurt the piece in any way. Especially those undertones stemming from McMurphy. After reading it, it seems obvious that McMurphy is the hero, he knows right from wrong. I'm not saying that some of his comments may not be offensive to some, but never are they a flat-out dismissal of women as a group or blacks as a group. He is not a flawless being, but most of his remarks that may be considered misogynistic or racist are only directed at the head nurse or the three black boys. Any other remarks are made jokingly, and he, as the strong character he is, couldn't have a serious prejudice towards a single person just based solely on their background. So as to concerning the main protagonist, readers shouldn't feel less willing to follow him along and to trust in him because they believe these remarks are a test to his moral character. They aren't.
And if anything, the overall under-tones contained in the story, don't hurt it, but add to it. While their meanings are not acceptable in today's society, they are important to include because they add authenticity to the story. Leave them out, and you start to wonder if this really is about the sixties, where social tensions over women and blacks were high. Just because Kesey writes them, does not mean he accepts them. Should the best literary works of be truthful or just sound nice?(less)
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
by Ken Kesey
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