Chapters 16 and 17 by Emmy Budas

1. "'Patient McMurphy ... does not strike me as a coward'" (136).

I chose this quote, which is said by one of the boys during the meeting, because it shows how each of the members working on the ward have different opinions towards McMurphy. In some minds, McMurphy is brave and is refusing to follow orders because he feels that he is capable of taking charge and controlling some of the patients, as well as the members of the ward, like Nurse Ratched. Others, like the Nurse, think that McMurphy can be controlled as long as he has proper leading. The Nurse feels that eventually McMurphy will give up once he realizes there is nothing he can do, but some of the boys feel that McMurphy is not a coward and that he will never give in, he will continue to fight until he has made his point.

2. "'We have weeks, or months, or even years if need be. Keep in mind that Mr. McMurphy is committed. The length of time he spends in this hospital is entirely up to us'" (137).

I chose this quote, which is said by Nurse Ratched, because it explains the true meaning of "being committed". The Nurse's goal is to be able to get hold on McMurphy and have control over him. The Nurse explains that she will control McMurphy no matter how long it takes because he is committed, therefore, he cannot leave until she allows him to. The Nurse says this to the boys and other fellow members of the ward to assure them that she will have control over McMurphy and she will need them to help her in gaining that control.

3. "I wish McMurphy'd wake up and help me" (144).

I chose this quote because this shows how the Chief looks up to McMurphy. McMurphy has given the Chief courage and the Chief respects how McMurphy is his own self. The Chief knows that McMurphy is smart and is able to handle any situation with the Nurse. Being with McMurphy and having McMurphy on his side gives the Chief a little boost of confidence. The Chief hopes that McMurphy will wake up because he knows that if McMurphy saw what they were doing to the Chief and knew what was going to happen to the Chief, McMurphy would do anything in his power top make sure it does not happen.