Chapter 5

"And that's just exactly what that meeting I just set through reminded me of, buddy, if you want to know the dirty truth. It reminded me of a flock of dirty chickens." (pg. 55)

This quote takes place after the group meeting with the Big Nurse and the doctor. When McMurphy notices the way the nurse picks at the Acutes, he angrily compares the group discussions to a pecking party. Just like the first chicken will peck at a spot of blood, the nurse will target weaker patients like Harding. This moment in the chapter sets off McMurphy's new "war" with the Big Nurse as he is determined to stand up against her. It also is a part in the story where every patient is still weak and powerless, while the nurse has absolute control over their actions and opinions of themselves.

"Why, see here, my friend Mr. McMurphy, my psychopathic sidekick, our Miss Ratched is a veritable angel of mercy and why just everyone knows it. She's unselfish as the wind, toiling thanklessly for the good of all, day after day, five long days a week." (pg. 58)

After McMurphy insults the Big Nurse and tries to convince everyone that she is an evil controlling woman, Harding tries defending her. This eventually leads to an ongoing combination of hand gestures and support for Miss Ratched, however finally Harding gives in. This quote shows how hard Harding is trying to support both the nurse and his past opinions, but also how constricted his words are. His support is not genuine and his change in views of the nurse allows us to know that the patients never truly favored the nurse, but just never could do anything against her.

"You're safe as long as you keep control. As long as you don't lose your temper and give her actual reason to request the restriction of the Disturbed Ward, or the therapeutic benefits of Electro Shock, you are safe." (pg. 68)

This quote is when Harding gives McMurphy advice on how to get on the nurse's nerves and win the "war". He mentions how anyone who tries to bother Miss Ratched must keep calm and steer clear of the chance of being treated of a mental illness. All of the patients in the ward have had previous experiences with Miss Ratched's reactions, but McMurphy is the newest addition to the group. He is overconfident and feels that it will be an easy task to take control away from the nurse. Later, we learn that even McMurphy struggles with the new role of being the sacrifice for everyone else.