Essay Questions

According to Kesey, what are the adverse effects of advancing technology?

Technology is a good concept, but it has its negative side in society. The community living in Wakonda heavily relies on the logging industry for their living. Before the introduction of logging technology, many people are employed to work in the industry. However, the industry experts later come with the logging technology to cut operational costs and increase the profit margin. As a result, logging technology's introduction cuts off manual labor because most of the functions are executed by machines. Many people are laid off from the logging factories, and this results in massive unemployment. Stamper family survives the resulting unemployment because it has a family business that keeps it going for many years. Consequently, technology is right, but many people end up losing their jobs when it is introduced to the working environment.

What is the figurative meaning of the rampant employee strikes that are taking place in Wakonda, Oregon?

Workers in the logging industry are disappointed because they find themselves unemployed due to the introduction of technology. For those who have survived the sacking, their working hours have been significantly reduced, implying that they are receiving the reduced salary. Therefore, the strike is majorly about a salary increase and increased working hours. The strike is emblematic because it represents the people of Wakonda's inability to adapt to the new technology. Remaining in denial and striking will not help these desperate employees because they should learn how to live with technology and use it to earn a living.

How does vengeance emerge as one of the main themes in the book ‘Sometimes a Great Notion’ by Ken Kesey?

Leland and Henry are not on good terms from the beginning, but the author does not clarify why Leland hates Henry. The main reason why Henry returns to Oregon is pursuing is vengeance against Henry. According to Leland, he has to do everything possible to hurt Henry if he does not directly get revenge. The author also depicts Henry as a stubborn person, which might be why Leland hates him to the core.