“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” Will Always be Tied to Alzheimer’s
Chief Bromden from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
Photo: Chief Bromden. Source: ScreenPlayHowto.com
Chief Bromden, a character from Kesey’s work, is a Native American patient in the ward, who was at the institution for the longest. Throughout the story, Bromden did not speak, because he didn't want to feel intimidated or fear. Eventually, when he finally finds the courage to speak, he says, “I felt like flying, so I feel free now. I have been far for a long time…”
People with Alzheimer’s disease all desire or wish to fly free from the shackles of this disease.
Chief is able to free himself after he lets his fellow patient escape. It is because he is also able to get self-esteem and the feeling of being normal. One dark night in a distant part of the ward, he gets a control panel made from heavy granite, which he pried out from the floor. Then, he runs to the other side of the room, holds the panel above his head, and throws it through a glass window. Other patients applaud him as he runs and escapes.
