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Similarities Between One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest And Dead Poets Society

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Kesey and Weir both explore the struggle for independence by enforcing similar settings and contrasting characterisation in their two individual texts, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Dead Poet’s Society. At first glance, many would argue that there could not be two settings more dissimilar than a men’s mental institution, and a boy’s private school. However, both texts are set in heavily instituonalised arenas, where the individuals within the communities have had their independence and freedom stolen by overpowering figures of authority. Although the setting of the two institutions is contradictory in various ways; the warm, bricked and neat academy against the blinding white hospital walls; the oppression and rigidity between the two is evident. Both pieces introduce an …show more content…
However, both character’s continuous preaching of free-thinking and liberty lead to a tragedy at the climaxes of the texts, suggesting that an equilibrium must be found between both conformity and freedom. Both texts suggest there are strong similarities between institutions and modern day society, with the figures of authority revoking any philosophies or behaviours that may spark free-thinking and independence. Through the use of these various techniques, Weir and Kesey effectively portray the struggle for independence within the communities.

In both the film and the novel, contrasting characterisation is utilised to portray the struggle for independence between both the protagonist and the population. McMurphy is continuously contrasted to his fellow inmates; although he is seen as an extreme representative of them, he refuses to adapt to the conformity of the institution and preaches independence and free-will. The extroverted, reckless

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