What does it mean to be Human?
To pinpoint the exact features that make one “human” may seem obvious in the physical sense. Two legs and arms, a nose, a mouth and other physical parts all contribute to the anatomy of a human being. However, when discussing what it means to be human, many have different opinions. Since human beings are more advanced creatures, their abilities and behaviors are attributed to empathy, intellect, and feelings of fairness. However, some individuals lack the understanding and basic concepts as to what it means to be “human” because they have a lesser view of others and see themselves as the superior. Literary works provide narrations and stories that have strong messages regarding these types of individuals and the practices or concepts that exist in the real world. Ken Kesey’s, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, illustrates the dehumanization of mentally ill patients while living under Nurse Ratched’s control and authoritative presence. Similarly, in Euripides’ drama, Medea, readers see the fatal ways in which emotions can incite a human to commit a horrible act. Both texts provide evidence into mental madness and chaos which can manifest differently amongst each individual. Being human encompasses the ability to express emotions and have a unique self-identify; however, as shown in both texts, there are those who do not use their “human” traits in a responsible manner.
The notion of how to serve other people as well as how to maintain human dignity is what defines a particular society and people. In Ken Kesey’s, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, power and control are consistent themes illustrated through the relationship of Nurse Ratched and her patients. The novel studies the human mind and institutional process while celebrating humanistic principals. As Chief Bromden narrates the story, readers see the clear division between the staff members and the patients. The men are categorized by their mental state and are often referred to by their diagnosis such as an Acute or Chronic, rather than their actual name. This is just one aspect of the dehumanization process which the patients encounter throughout their stay at the institution.
The internal chaos and fear which Nurse Ratched instills amongst the men is contradictory to her role as a nurse; which is supposed to provide comfort, support, and safety to her patients. She uses her powerful position to create a false sense of order, and to achieve an idealistic hospital setting that is only beneficial to herself. Soon after McMurphy’s arrival to the mental ward, Harding tells him “You’re safe as long as you keep control. As long as you don’t lose your temper and give her a reason to request the restriction of the Disturbed Ward, or the therapeutic benefits of Electro Shock, you are safe” (Kesey 73). Like many of the patients, Harding was aware of Nurse Ratched’s controlling presence and her use of unfair and unnecessary “punishments” that she implemented in situations when her control was being questioned. Her therapy sessions and activities were programmed with precision to strip the humanity of the patients with the aim of controlling a “well-oiled machine”. As a result, many of the men were more focused on maintaining an acceptable standing with Nurse Ratched, rather than seeking the necessary mental and medical advice that they desperately needed. Both her demeanor and her attitude towards the patients made them feel inferior and incapable of “normalcy” or succeeding in life.
Despite the cruel and dehumanizing ways in which the patients were treated by the staff at the ward, McMurphy evokes a new-found confidence in many of the men. His introduction of human empathy to the patients created a shift in the hospital, which allowed his peers to recognize that their basic human rights were being sacrificed. After rediscovering human dignity by McMurphy’s aid, many of the men attempted to fight back against Nurse Ratched’s rigid and damaging “structure”, and began following McMurphy’s courageous ways. Chief Bromden states “The other Acutes were beginning to follow his lead. Harding began flirting with all the student nurses, and Billy Bibbit completely quit writing what he used to call his “observations” in the log book…” (Kesey 208). McMurphy’s bold actions against Nurse Ratched inspired the men to question unjust authority and assert for themselves their basic human rights and needs. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest presents madness as a fascinating sense where society ascribes insanity to individuals who simply do not conform.
In the ancient greek tragedy, Medea by Euripides, the fine line between love and hate is depicted by Medea’s actions and control against both her sons and former husband Jason. Medea’s passionate nature creates a divide from Jason’s calm disposition, which makes him cold in comparison. Her rage is ignited when Jason abandons both she and their children to marry the princess of Corinth, leaving her to seek vengeance against those who have betrayed her. According to the drama, humans have basic emotions such as fear, anger, and affection which can influence one to make irrational decisions that ultimately have negative consequences. The powerful effect emotions have on human beings is portrayed throughout the entirety of the play but is clearly illustrated when Medea kills her two sons, to ensure Jason’s future suffering. “I understand the horror of what I must do. But passion is stronger than reason, and passion is the grief of the world” (Euripides 47). Contrary to any basic morals or values, Medea allows her emotions to govern her dangerous actions, solely to seek revenge and control in a situation for which she felt she had none. The murder of both her children and the princess emphasize the detrimental consequences of mental madness and the alarming outcomes of when one “loses control”.
During the classical era and the late 1950’s, women were often viewed or portrayed as powerless and meek beings, however, both Medea and Nurse Ratched’s manipulative powers controlled and determined the destiny of those around them. Nurse Ratched’s unjust use of therapeutic treatment can be viewed in a similar light to Medea’s deadly actions. Both resulted in negative or fatal outcomes that would later alter people’s lives drastically. Though there is a significant difference in time periods in which both texts where written, Medea and Nurse Ratched share many common traits and use their forceful presence to weaken those who questioned their role, or posed a threat to them.
Human beings are faced often with alarming situations that at times require insane acts due to the forcing circumstances in society and the world around them. In both One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Medea, emotions lead the characters to destructive and dangerous conclusions on how to best manage a sense of control. Nurse Ratched and Medea sacrificed basic human tendencies such as empathy to maintain their pride and positions of authority. In each story, the protagonist fails to see people as having a meaning separate from themselves. Ultimately, being human encompasses the ability to freely express ones’ emotions and deal with the inevitable repercussions of certain actions or behaviors.