Prompt: Tough Women in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and New American Best Friend – In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Nurse Ratched is referred to as a “bitch and a buzzard and a ball-cutter” (Kesey 54). Why is Nurse Ratched labeled a “bitch” in the novel? Does that label seem fair? Is it possible to argue that Nurse Ratched is unfairly villainized, and that this reflects larger cultural attitudes toward powerful women and sexual violence? How does this connect to the points made by Olivia Gatwood in such poems as “Ode to My Bitch Face” and “Ode to the Women on Long Island”? Use specific quotes from both Kesey’s novel and Gatwood’s poems to support your argument.

QUESTION

Prompt: Tough Women in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and New American Best Friend – In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Nurse Ratched is referred to as a “bitch and a buzzard and a ball-cutter” (Kesey 54). Why is Nurse Ratched labeled a “bitch” in the novel? Does that label seem fair? Is it possible to argue that Nurse Ratched is unfairly villainized, and that this reflects larger cultural attitudes toward powerful women and sexual violence? How does this connect to the points made by Olivia Gatwood in such poems as “Ode to My Bitch Face” and “Ode to the Women on Long Island”? Use specific quotes from both Kesey’s novel and Gatwood’s poems to support your argument.

Your paper must have a clear, specific, argumentative thesis statement at the beginning. Organize your paper around key argumentative points related to that thesis. DO NOT SUMMARIZE PLOTS.

The paper should have approximately 13 paragraphs (spread over 5-6 pages). Each paragraph should focus on a SINGLE idea and should support your thesis statement.

It is recommended that you discuss the two texts IN RELATION to each other THROUGHOUT the paper. In other words, do not write a 2.5-page paper focusing on Text #1 followed by a 2.5-page paper focusing on Text #2. Continually explain the relationship of each text to the other as you go.

You are required to find TWO outside sources that relate to your argument. Sources must be substantive (have good content), credible (trustworthy), and relevant to your topic (i.e., they must be about the texts you are writing about). Quote from these sources in your paper. You should also quote from ONE critical source from class (for example, the article by Ron Klier on Walt Whitman, interview with Olivia Gatwood, article by Susan Koprince about Fences, and article by Laura Quinn about One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest). We will also have a research day where you will have time to look for sources with help from me.

Everything you quote from must be referenced on the Works Cited page (three sources plus two literary texts = five Works Cited entries).

LENGTH: 5-6 pages, double spaced (**must be at least five FULL pages, not including the Works Cited page**)

12-pt. Times New Roman font

ANSWER

The Complex Portrayal of Powerful Women: Challenging Stereotypes in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and New American Best Friend

Introduction

In both Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Olivia Gatwood’s poems “Ode to My Bitch Face” and “Ode to the Women on Long Island,” the portrayal of powerful women evokes contrasting perspectives and challenges prevailing cultural attitudes. While Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is labeled a “bitch” within the narrative, it is important to critically analyze the fairness and implications of this characterization. By examining the interplay between the texts and drawing on external sources, this essay argues that Nurse Ratched’s depiction reflects larger societal attitudes towards powerful women and sexual violence, a theme also explored in Gatwood’s poetry. Through the lens of gender and power dynamics, these works shed light on the complex and often villainized portrayals of formidable women.

The Labeling of Nurse Ratched: Exploring Gendered Language

The use of the term “bitch” to describe Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is loaded with negative connotations. It serves as a derogatory label that reflects the sexist language employed by the male characters in the novel (Literature Suppressed on Social Grounds (Banned Books) – SILO.PUB, n.d.). The quote, “a bitch and a buzzard and a ball-cutter,” (Kesey 54) exemplifies the derogatory language used to demean her. This derogatory language suggests that powerful women, like Nurse Ratched, are perceived as threats to traditional male dominance.

While the label may seem unfair, it is important to consider the context in which Nurse Ratched operates. She is presented as a stern and authoritarian figure who exercises control over the patients in the mental institution. However, it can be argued that her actions are driven by a desire to maintain order and discipline, rather than pure malevolence. In this sense, the label “bitch” may be an oversimplification that fails to capture the complexities of her character.

Nurse Ratched as a Symbol of Societal Attitudes

The portrayal of Nurse Ratched as a powerful and controlling figure reflects larger cultural attitudes towards powerful women. In a society that often seeks to suppress women’s autonomy and authority, Nurse Ratched serves as a reminder of the threat posed by assertive women who challenge the status quo. By maintaining strict control over the male patients, she disrupts traditional gender roles and subverts the established power dynamics.

The perception of Nurse Ratched as a villain can also be attributed to the prevalent association between powerful women and sexual violence. In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Nurse Ratched’s emasculating tactics, such as threatening to reveal the patients’ vulnerabilities and secrets, can be seen as a metaphorical castration. This depiction reinforces the societal fear and suspicion towards women who wield power, perpetuating the idea that they are inherently malicious or sexually manipulative.

Challenging Stereotypes: Gatwood’s Poems and Alternative Perspectives

In her poems “Ode to My Bitch Face” and “Ode to the Women on Long Island,” Gatwood explores the complexities of female power and challenges societal expectations. Gatwood acknowledges the existence of the “bitch face” stereotype, which assumes that women who appear unapproachable are inherently cruel or unkind. This stereotype parallels the labeling of Nurse Ratched, highlighting the pervasive nature of gendered language and its impact on the perception of powerful women.

Gatwood’s poems emphasize the multifaceted nature of female experiences and the importance of empowering women to embrace their strength. She counters the negative associations attached to powerful women by celebrating their resilience and the ability to assert themselves in a world that often tries to diminish their voices (Moreyra, 2020). This alternative perspective invites readers to question the unfair vilification of powerful women, including characters like Nurse Ratched.

Larger Societal Implications: The Need for Change

The portrayal of Nurse Ratched and the themes explored in Gatwood’s poetry highlight the pervasive nature of sexism and its impact on women’s lives. Both texts reveal the societal discomfort with powerful women and the tendency to label them negatively (Darbyshire, 1995). By examining these portrayals critically, we can gain insight into the harmful consequences of perpetuating these stereotypes.

In order to challenge and change these cultural attitudes, it is crucial to acknowledge and confront the biases ingrained in our language and perceptions. This includes recognizing the complex nature of power dynamics, the diversity of female experiences, and the detrimental effects of perpetuating stereotypes that vilify strong women.

Conclusion

The portrayal of Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and the poems by Olivia Gatwood shed light on the challenges faced by powerful women in society. By examining the labeling of Nurse Ratched as a “bitch” and exploring Gatwood’s alternative perspectives, this essay has demonstrated the need to critically analyze prevailing cultural attitudes towards powerful women and sexual violence. These works underscore the urgency of breaking free from harmful stereotypes and fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

References

Darbyshire, P. (1995). Reclaiming ?Big Nurse?: a feminist critique of Ken Kesey’s portrayal of Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Nursing Inquiry, 2(4), 198–202. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1800.1995.tb00146.x 

Literature Suppressed on Social Grounds (Banned Books) – SILO.PUB. (n.d.). silo.pub. https://silo.pub/literature-suppressed-on-social-grounds-banned-books.html 

Moreyra, M. J. (2020). The Importance of Resilience in the Agenda Women, Peace and Security, Particularly During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Connections: The Quarterly Journal. http://connections-qj.org/article/importance-resilience-agenda-women-peace-and-security-particularly-during-covid-19-pandemic