The Showdown: Mac VS Big Nurse

Ken Kesey's development of characters in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest is simply incredible. He has mastered the art of description, creating vivid pictures in my mind with his elegant words. As the plot begins to unravel, we witness the emergence of two powerful characters: Big Nurse and McMurphy. When Big Nurse is introduced into the story, one could tell that she will be a stern, relentless force. "She [Big Nurse] knows what they been saying, and I can see she's furious clean out of control. She's going to tear the black bastards limb from limb, she's so furious. She's swelling up, swells till her back's spitting out the white uniform and she's let her arms section out long enough to wrap around the three of them five, six times," (Kesey 11). Big Nurse Ratched has complete control over the entire ward, as she intimidates not only the patients, but some of the doctors as well. Her reign over the ward is supreme.
However, the admittance of McMurphy into the ward disrupts her power. "His face and neck and arms are the color of oxblood leather from working long in the fields. He's got a primer-black motorcycle cap stuck in his hair and a leather jacket over one arm, and he's got on boots gray and dusty and heavy enough to kick a man half in two," (17). McMurphy is a free spirit whose mind is as daft as they come. As he recognizes that Nurse Ratched has a relentless hold on the ward, he makes it his mission to "rustle her feathers". In doing so, the atmosphere in the ward, and especially the attitudes of the patients begins to change. They begin to laugh, and see the happier side of life.
Big Nurse has the last say as a lobotomy is performed on McMurphy, essentially ending his life. However, in the ultimate battle, McMurphy's exuberant personality allowed for the patients to see through the 'fog'. No longer did Nurse Ratched have unyielding power as she once did.

The Arthurian Legend

The Arthurian Legend is one of the most well-known tales in history. It is simply majestic in its nature, and the tale has endured for almost a thousand years due to several reasons. The pure history behind the tale about the Kings of Old England is reason enough for people to be interested. The legend is overflowing with elements of a medieval romance. With these vivid characteristics, the reader is constantly being drawn to the tale. Also, there are several interpretations which can please different audiences. Imagination flourishes in the tales, and creates endless possibilities. All of these reasons have allowed for the existence of the legend to continue.

The characteristics of a medieval romance are utilized tremendously in this tale. Chivalry, love and romance, battles, and adventure create a desirable atmosphere; keeping the audience interested. Drama always seems to be apparent. It is similar to that of the popular shows of television today. There are so many twists and turns in the tale, that it can be acknowledged as one of the first soap operas in history. For example, in Malory's Le Morte D' Arthur, there is sex and scandal. "Tonight you shall appear before Igraine at Tintagil in the likeness of her husband, the Duke." King Uther deceives Igraine, and it leads to the conception of Arthur. The tale begins in such a dramatic, controversial manner that why would any population let this tale die? Another key aspect is adventure. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain embarks on a journey to find the Green Chapel. Along the way he encounters numerous obstacles, adding excitement to the tale. There are just so many facets to the Arthurian Legend that it is unlikely that the tale will ever fade away.

The elements of a medieval romance spur the creation of a variety of pieces of work. Whether it be through a novel, poem, or movie, the legend can reach large numbers of people. Each person can be exposed to the legend by choosing the style or tone they like best. A great example is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Pride and honor lead to so many small battles. It is almost comical how there are 'fights to the death' just for the passage over a bridge. When Arthur and the Black Knight engage in battle, Arthur slices off the limbs of the Black Knight. The Black Knight says, "It's just a flesh wound," (Monty Python and the Holy Grail). This parody pokes fun at some of the ridiculous battles in the legend. It actually contributes to the popularity of the tale.

Imagination is also imperative to the endurance of the tale. Magic plays key roles in numerous events. The mystique of Merlin, the power of Excalibur, and the idea of a young boy pulling a sword out of a stone spurs imagination. It makes it seem like anything is possible. "You won the 'impossible' condition he set, and now his evil spell is broken," (Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell). The magic spell on Lady Ragnell was lifted, and she was able to return to her real identity. This youthful imagination is refreshing to read about, and the magic allows for incredible creativity.

Medieval Romance

Romance plays such a large role in medieval literature. Chivalry, which is in essence the knights' code, is centered around dignity and honor to a woman. It seems that each and every aspect of a knight's action pertains or relates to a woman. They try to please their "lady"; to make them happy and feel secure. However, I find it baffling that the premise of their code is an obligation to a woman, yet there are numerous infidelities and one-night-stands. A king even went as far to deceive a woman into sleeping with him. "Tonight you shall appear before Igraine at Tintagil in the likeness of her husband, the duke," (Malory). This is disgusting. King Uther should have accepted the fact the Igraine loved the duke, and did not want to be with him. Some of the other stories were very entertaining. The magical events spark so many creative and exciting possibilities. Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell exemplifies this creativity. The story raised the question "what women desire the most", and I was immediately interested. Love and romance is clearly a main theme in medieval culture.

Beowulf: Selfish or Not?

There is a fine line between a demeanor with bold confidence and just acting plain selfish. Without a doubt, Beowulf is flirting with this line. According to Beowulf, "He who can earn it should fight for the glory of his name; fame after death is the noblest of goals,"(1387-1389). At first glance this remark may seem to only perpetuate selfishness. However, we must remember that this story is set in a time period much different from ours. Fame and glory were two keystones to life that people set out to achieve. In actuality, Beowulf is not that much different than other people during this period. At times, Beowulf absolutely pushes the limit of confidence, but he is not acting selfishly.
Another aspect of this scenario we must consider is that Beowulf is putting himself in danger to ensure the safety of people he does not even know. Is bravery is unparalleled. People should envy his courageousness, and be thankful for it; for if Beowulf did not come to Hrothgar's kingdom, people's lives would still be at risk. Beowulf's actions of bravery, like when he battled Grendel without any weapons, nearly contradicts the definition of selfish. Although he is definitely confident, Beowulf is not selfish.

The Best Cover

The Fifth Child is best represented by the cover with the mysterious blue child. Several key characterists of Ben are depicted. The first thing that catches your eye will be the alien physical appearance of the child. His blue skin certainly will be of glaring interest to the audience. In conjunction with the skin, the strange yellow eyes almost sends a shock of fright down your spine. Ben, in the novel, is often described as being something foreign. "'Well, you saw him, didn't you? How do we know what kinds of people--races, I mean-- creatures different from us, haved lived on this planet?" (Lessing 105) Here his mother Harriet is trying to convince Dr. Gilly that Ben is a throwback of some sort; possibly a goblin. This cover is a great represenation of that idea. Also, the demeanor of the character on the cover is parallel to that of Ben's throughout the novel, confused. You can tell through his expression that he is struggling to find acceptance in this world. This is a key point in the book.

The True Message Behind Frankenstein

"Mary Shelley was not writing about the evils of science and progress...but suffering and loss and pain, the feeling of being ostracized-" (Whitty)
I do agree with Whitty's opinion. Of course, Frankenstein was a tremendous horror story, containing bone shivering events, and other outrageous instances. The novel was unique and written very well. However, what was the true message behind Frankenstein? There, in fact, was an underlying message, and Mr. Whitty nailed it on the head.
Victor's creation was born into isolation. Mankind would not accept the 'monster' for who he was, and thus, was cast into leprosy. "Increase of knowledge only discovered to me more clearly what a wretched outcast I was. I cherished hope, it is true, but it vanished when I beheld my person reflected in water or my shadow in the moonshine, even as that frail image and that inconstant shade," (Shelley, 119).
The creation tried hard to be accepted. His first attempt was to try to get along with the De Lacey family. He confronted the old blind man in the cottage, but was soon chased out when the rest of the family. Failure. The creature then confronted Victor, manipulating him into creating a companion. Unfortunately, this also did not work.
All of the actions the monster was making was for a single idea; acceptance. He yearned for some kind of companion; someone he could communicate and relate to. Mr. Whitty explains how children on the set of a Frankenstein movie could "see through the makeup, and relate to his confusion. They were able to recognize that the creature was the victim, not the perpetrator." I think that we all can relate to the feelings of the creature. Everyone, at one point in their lives, has had the desire to be well-liked and accepted. "There's a little of the monster in all of us." (Whitty)

Reaction to Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, ranks near the top of my favorite books read thus far in high school. I enjoy reading it because there are so many different facets in the story, and the book becomes harder and harder to put down. The beginning of the novel focused on Victor's mental struggle after creating the monster. "I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart," (Shelley 43). I, personally, was bewildered by Victor's response. Why would he poor his heart and soul into a project, and then be disgusted by it? Another controversial topic in this novel, as discovered through an intense class debate, was whether or not Victor should create a companion for the creature. Both sides have valid arguments. Contrary to what I proclaimed in class, I do not think Victor should create another monster. He should actually dispose of the present creation, and save man from further destruction.
In the early 1800's people were intrigued by the possibility of creating life from an inanimate object. To be more specific, bringing the dead back to life. This practice was called Galvanism, and was extremely popular. "In March 1815, Mary Shelley dreamed of her dead infant daughter held before a fire, rubbed vigorously, and restored to life. At the time, scientists would not have wholly dismissed such a possibility," (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/frankenstein/frank_birth.html). Mary Shelley's life was full of tragedy, which could have been the basis for her novel, Frankenstein.