In Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," there is a powerful imagery of stars and the moon that reflects the themes of confinement and liberation. The nearby stars, overshadowed by the bright moon, appear faint and weak, symbolizing how individuals can feel marginalized and diminished in the presence of dominating forces. This imagery serves to illustrate the struggle against oppressive authority.

As the stars grow brighter and more confident the farther they are from the moon's light, it suggests that true strength and individuality can be found outside of oppressive environments. This represents the journey toward self-discovery and empowerment, as characters in the novel seek to break free from the constraints imposed upon them, striving to reach their full potential away from authoritarian control.