It's like each face was a sign like one of those "I'm Blind" signs the dago accordion players in Portland hung around their necks, only these signs say "I'm tired" or "I'm scared" or "I'm dying of a bum liver" or "I'm all bound up with machinery and people pushing me alla time." I can read all the signs, it don't make any difference how little the print gets.
The quote expresses a deep observation of the various struggles and emotions etched onto people's faces, akin to the signs worn by street performers. It suggests that each face carries a distinct narrative, revealing not only fatigue or fear but also the profound impacts of life experiences and circumstances. The speaker has the ability to interpret these emotional "signs," indicating a notable sensitivity towards the underlying human conditions faced by others.
This passage also illustrates the theme of empathy present in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." It highlights the burdens individuals carry, such as illness or societal pressures, and conveys a sense of collective suffering. The imagery of being "bound up" reflects the constraints imposed by both physical and emotional struggles, underscoring the complexity of human existence and the shared stories that often go unnoticed.
