One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Lesson 15
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ELA

Unit 3

11th Grade

Lesson 15 of 37

Objective


Explain the symbolism of the steel control panel.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey  pp. 117 – 125

  • Movie: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 

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Target Task


Question 1

Which of the following best captures the figurative meaning of the control panel?

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Question 2

Which choice best supports the conclusion that McMurphy is fighting a larger battle?

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Key Questions


  • What is the narrator’s tone of the first paragraph of p. 117? 
  • How is Bromden different than the other men? Why might this be?
  • How does McMurphy continue to battle the staff?
  • What is the nurse’s excuse for refusing to allow McMurphy to watch the World Series? What theme does this reinforce? 
  • How do the men respond to McMurphy’s proposal on p. 118?
  • Based on the dialogue on p. 118 and 119, how has McMurphy affected Cheswick?
  • What can the reader infer about Bromden at the top of p. 121? 
  • Why won’t the men agree with McMurphy on p. 120-121? What does this suggest about human nature? How does this develop the theme of rules and order?
  • What is McMurphy’s latest bet on p. 122-123?
  • Why is the control panel the best object for the job on p. 123?
  • How does McMurphy respond to the challenge of the control panel?
  • What is the purpose of the paragraph beginning with “the guys” on p. 124? 
  • How does the attitude of the men shift on p. 124?
  • Track the description of McMurphy on p. 124-125. Why is he so angry? 

Notes


  • Show the film clip of this scene so students can visualize the control panel.
  • Because the target task is based on the end of the reading today, consider jumping into the reading with the Do Now to ensure that students are able to complete reading up to p. 125.
  • Assign short chapters on p. 126-129 for homework.
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Lesson 14

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Lesson 16

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