Comment on the main themes of the novel, particularly the focus on social control and conformity as well as individuality, self-expression and a sense of freedom:

"One Flew Over The Cuckoo's nest is a honest yet disturbing approach to viewing human psychology, spirit and the society that we belong to. Within these central themes, the novel also comprises of other views such as the focus on social control and conformity as well as individuality, self expression and a sense of freedom. The tightly run mental asylum of Big Nurse is the abode of these themes and is merely a microcosm to …

…all. He is able to make an imprint in the lives of each of the patients in his unique way. He shows the patients that individuality is something to be proud of and not something to fear as Nurse Ratched makes them believe. He gives them the courage they need so that they can eventually face the outside world again; he gives them a chance to recover instead of losing their freedom to the institution.