In "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey, the quote highlights the irony of treatment provided to individuals in a mental health facility. It suggests that while some patients are given medication to control their fits or episodes, others are subjected to shock treatment to provoke or exacerbate their conditions. This contrast reflects the chaotic and often misguided approaches to mental health care at that time.

Moreover, the statement raises questions about the nature of control and the methods employed in psychiatric treatment. It underscores the disconnection between the treatment philosophy and the actual needs of the patients, pointing to a broader commentary on the institutionalization and dehumanization within mental health systems. Kesey’s work encourages readers to reflect on the effectiveness and humanity of such practices.