He was in his chair in the corner, resting a second before he came out for the next round -- in a long line of next rounds. The thing he was fighting, you couldn't whip it for good. All you could do was keep on whipping it, till you couldn't come out anymore and somebody else had to take your place.
This quote captures the ongoing struggle of the protagonist, who sits in a corner, gathering strength before continuing his battle in a seemingly endless series of challenges. It reflects the nature of fighting against an overwhelming force, suggesting that victory is elusive and that the fight must persist despite the odds. The protagonist acknowledges that the battle is not about winning permanently but about enduring the fight for as long as possible.
This perspective highlights the futility of certain struggles, as the character understands that one can only keep fighting until they reach their limit. Ultimately, the fight may be passed on to another, signifying a cycle of struggle that is both personal and collective. This theme resonates throughout Ken Kesey's narrative, illustrating the harsh realities faced by those within the confines of a mental institution.
