In Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," the narrator reflects on feeling different from others from a young age. He describes this sense of being an outsider as one marked by societal judgment, suggesting a preference for the term "different" over more harsh labels. This recognition of separation contributes to a profound sense of isolation.

The narrator conveys the emotional toll of feeling targeted by society, likening it to an overwhelming sense of shame imposed by the collective. He interprets this as a societal reaction to individuality, indicating that those who diverge from norms often face scorn and alienation. Such experiences highlight the struggles of those who don't conform to societal expectations.