How do three texts explore the nature of rebellion? (analisis of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", "Fahrenheit 451" and "The Matrix".)

Essay by muraliA+, June 2003

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The nature of rebellion is explored differently between numerous texts as the storylines, characters, and themes differ. In the texts "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", "Fahrenheit 451", and "The Matrix", the nature of rebellion varies from within a mental institution, to against an entire fascist regime, to against an entire simulated society built up by machines.

The purpose for rebellion also differs between the texts. Freedom is the main motive for rebellion in all three texts, ranging from escaping the bounds of a strict mental hospital in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", to breaking away from society in "Fahrenheit 451" and "The Matrix". Nevertheless, "The Matrix" focuses on rebellion at a large scale and freedom of the human race, while "Fahrenheit 451" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" centers more on individual disaffiliation and freedom.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" revolves around the occurrences of a mental institution, with a group of somewhat insane men kept under control by certain authorities, and their pursuit to liberate themselves from this controlling power. The most prominent representation of this power is Nurse Ratched, a stern woman who rigidly sticks to routine, sometimes not considering carefully the actual well-being of her patients. Power is also held by the workers of the hospital who physically control the patients, as well as the doctors who control the rights to decide their lives and well-being.

These authorities attempt to maintain their power through both mental and physical methods, especially by restricting individual freedom. Intrusive music is played in order to control the patients, limiting the ability for them to communicate and so, cause any trouble. Threats are also used, especially by Nurse Ratched, to keep the patients controlled...