One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Study Guide

1. Which of the following is not a domineering mother figure in the novel?

• Mrs. Bibbit
• Nurse Ratched
• Mrs. Bromden
• Vera Harding

2. What is Nurse Ratched's only incongruous physical trait?

• Her large breasts
• Her smooth skin
• Her orange nail polish
• Her full lips

3. Which of the following does McMurphy represent the least?

• Anti-social behavior
• Sexual liberation
• Insanity
• Rational choice

4. Which character calls the patients rabbits who need a strong wolf?

• Nurse Ratched
• R.P. McMurphy
• Dale Harding
• Billy Bibbit

5. What is significant about Dr. Spivey's suggestion about the tub room?

• It shows that the doctors do not care about the welfare of the patients.
• It shows that Nurse Ratched controls the actions of the doctors.
• It shows that McMurphy is as capable as Nurse Ratched of manipulating the system.
• It shows that McMurphy is only interested in games and gambling.

6. Which of the following games do the patients not play?

• Backgammon
• Basketball
• Cards
• Monopoly

7. What represents insanity for Chief Bromden?

• Nurse Ratched
• The Combine
• Chewing Gum
• The Fog

8. Which character is most likely a closeted homosexual?

• Chief Bromden
• Nurse Ratched
• Dale Harding
• Billy Bibbit

9. Which is not an objection that a patient has about Nurse Ratched's policies?

• The locking of the dormitories on the weekends
• The loud music
• The rationing of cigarettes
• The impossibility of getting an Accompanied Pass

10. Which character has been a patient on the ward the longest?

• Chief Bromden
• R.P. McMurphy
• Colonel Matterson
• Cheswick