One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
what is the combine? What is the relationship of Nurse Ratched, McMurphy, and the Chief to the Combine
this is from one flew over the cuckoos nest novel
this is from one flew over the cuckoos nest novel
The combine is the institution itself. In the "combine" all runs according to a set of rules that are never broken or questioned. Chief Bromden represents a cog in the machine. By following the rules, taking his meds and never questioning authority, he is set up as McMurphy's foil. Nurse Ratched is seen as a dictator and is a metaphor for oppression. She makes sure that all the cogs in the machine that is the institution keep running efficiently and without interruption. McMurphy is the one who fights against authority and oppression and represents freedom.
Ratched= oppressor/authority
Bromden= the oppressed/follower of authority
McMurphy= free thinker/freedom fighter/very anti-establishment