Fiction Fridays-One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

In class, we are wrapping up our Postmodern unit for which we read One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Although sometimes I wonder if they pay attention to the lessons, themes, and morals because they can't get over the fact that there is candid cussing, talk of the mental patients peeing themselves, and all-around debauchery. But, I hope that they see that it's never okay for people in authority to treat those they are in charge of as worthless. Nurse Ratched, the evil dictator-like character in the novel, can show up in so many forms in our lives--bad bosses, overbearing parents or spouses, bullies in school, or a relentless sibling. The author, Ken Kesey, seems to be sending a message not to rebel just for the heck of it, but to be conscious of the world around us and the leaders and trends that we follow, and if necessary, pull a Gandhi and "be the change you want to see in the world." If you hate to read, at least check out a young Jack Nicholson's award-winning performance as the main character, R.P. McMurphy.