7

"For an instant that lead goose was right in the center of that circle, bigger than the others, a black cross opening and closing, then he pulled his V out of sight into the sky once more." (143)

The imagery of the geese coincide with how McMurphy acts. McMurphy is the leader. He is the one getting the Big Nurses goat. He does things that no one else has had the courage to do. The one everyone else follows, but he can't stay up top forever. This scene shows a lot of foreshadowing about how he changes to an obedient person when he realizes how much power the big nurse actually has. Later when Cheswick needs help from him he lets him hang instead of standing up for him.

"She's clear-headed and wondering now just how did Mr. Bromden hear that Acute McMurphy asking him to raise his hand on that vote?" (132)

This scene seems like a major point, but the Big Nurse is distracted. It is the first time that someone has suspected Bromden of actually being able to hear. No one really knows if Bromden can speak or hear. They just assume he can't because he never says anything. If the Big Nurse investigated more Bromden's situation might have become much worse. I felt that this also foreshadows something happening with Bromden. People are most likely going to realize that he can hear and speak.

"Whack his leg and throw his head back and laugh and laugh, digging his thumb into whoever was sitting next to him, trying to get him to laugh too." (139)

McMurphy is the only one who laughs in the ward. He tells stories and laughs, trying to get all of the other patients to laugh to. No one laughs because they are all scared of the Big Nurse. McMurphy isn't scared and so he tries to help everyone else. He is really a leader.