In Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," the protagonist, Randle McMurphy, challenges the oppressive regime of a mental hospital. The story is told through the perspective of Chief Bromden, a patient who pretends to be deaf and mute. Through his eyes, we witness the struggles of the patients against the authoritarian control imposed by Nurse Ratched, highlighting themes of freedom versus confinement and conformity. McMurphy's rebellious spirit brings hope and a sense of individuality to the other patients.

The quote, "I don't seem able to get it straight in my mind," reflects the confusion and disorientation experienced by those under the mental health system's rigid control. It encapsulates the internal conflict and struggle for identity faced by individuals in such oppressive environments. Throughout the novel, characters grapple with their sense of reality and self, showcasing the detrimental effects of societal expectations and institutionalization on mental health.