The walls are white as the white suits, polished clean as a refrigerator door, and the black face and hands seem to float against it like a ghost.
In Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," the stark contrast between the white walls of the psychiatric ward and the dark skin of the character creates a haunting visual image. The description suggests a sense of alienation and otherness, as the black figure almost merges with the environment, evoking feelings of isolation. The cleanliness of the space, likened to a polished fridge, emphasizes the sterile nature of the institution, which can be dehumanizing.
This imagery underlines the themes of identity and confinement within the novel. The juxtaposition of light and dark not only highlights racial dynamics but also reflects the struggle against oppressive systems. The character, portrayed like a ghost, symbolizes the loss of agency and individuality in a place designed to control and suppress, making the reader think about the broader implications of mental health treatment and societal norms.
