In Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," the character McMurphy plays a significant role in challenging the oppressive environment of a mental institution. His bold attitude and humor create a sense of camaraderie among the patients, encouraging them to resist the authoritarian control exercised by Nurse Ratched. McMurphy’s actions symbolize rebellion against conformity and the constraints placed on individual freedom.
The interactions among the characters contribute to the novel's themes of control and rebellion. When McMurphy uses familiar banter, like "Thursday," followed by the enthusiastic response from another character, it highlights the sense of community that develops among the patients. This dynamic serves to illustrate both the conflict between individuality and institutional power, as well as the importance of human connection in the face of adversity.