Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent
abstract ideas or concepts.
The Fog Machine
Fog is a phenomenon that clouds our vision of the world.
In this novel, fogs symbolize a lack of insight and an escape from
reality. When Bromden starts to slip away from reality, because
of his medication or out of fear, he hallucinates fog drifting into
the ward. He imagines that there are hidden fog machines in the
vents and that they are controlled by the staff. Although it can
be frightening at times, Bromden considers the fog to be a safe
place; he can hide in it and ignore reality. Beyond what it means
for Bromden, the fog represents the state of mind that Ratched imposes
on the patients with her strict, mind-numbing routines and humiliating
treatment. When McMurphy arrives, he drags all the patients out
of the fog.
McMurphy’s Boxer Shorts
McMurphy’s boxer shorts are black satin with a pattern
of white whales with red eyes. A literature major gave them to him,
saying that McMurphy is himself a symbol. The shorts, of course,
are also highly symbolic. First, the white whales call to mind Moby-Dick, one
of the most potent symbols in American literature. One common interpretation
of Moby-Dick is that the whale is a phallic symbol, which obviously
suggests McMurphy’s blatant sexuality—the little white whales cover
McMurphy’s underwear, which he gleefully reveals to Nurse Ratched.
Moby-Dick also represents the pervasive evil that inspires Ahab’s
obsessive, futile pursuit. Here, the implication is that McMurphy
is to Ratched as Moby-Dick is to Ahab. A third interpretation is
that Moby-Dick stands for the power of nature, signifying McMurphy’s
untamed nature that conflicts with the controlled institution. Also,
in Melville’s novel Moby-Dick is associated with God, which resonates
with McMurphy’s role as a Christ figure. Finally, the whale boxer
shorts poke fun at academia and its elaborate interpretations of
symbols.
The Electroshock Therapy Table
The electroshock therapy table is explicitly associated
with crucifixion. It is shaped like a cross, with straps across
the wrists and over the head. Moreover, the table performs a function
similar to the public crucifixions of Roman times. Ellis, Ruckly,
and Taber—Acutes whose lives were destroyed by electroshock therapy—serve as
public examples of what happens to those who rebel against the ruling
powers. Ellis makes the reference explicit: he is actually nailed
to the wall. This foreshadows that McMurphy, who is associated with
Christ images, will be sacrificed.
