Colonel Matterson reading from wrinkled scripture of that long yellow hand:The flag is America. America is the plum. The peach. The watermelon. America is the gumdrop. The pumpkin seed. America is television. Now, the cross is Mexico. Mexico is the walnut. The hazelnut. The acorn. Mexico is the rainbow. The rainbow is wooden. Mexico is wooden.Now, the green sheep is Canada Canada is the fir tree. The wheat field. The calendar.The night is the Pacific Ocean.
In Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," Colonel Matterson reflects on the identities represented by different countries, using colorful imagery to describe America, Mexico, and Canada. America is depicted through various fruits and sweets, symbolizing its diversity and richness. In contrast, Mexico is illustrated with nuts and rainbows, suggesting a different depth and texture, while Canada is represented by nature and stability, portraying it as grounded and reliable.
This passage highlights the varied perceptions of these nations, with America appearing vibrant and sweet, whereas Mexico is more complex and wood-like, and Canada is stable. By using everyday objects and nature, Kesey layers symbolism that allows readers to ponder the cultural identities and relationships among these countries, as seen through the lens of Colonel Matterson's observations.
