How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Quote #7
Nurse Ratched: The best thing we can do is go on with our daily routine.
Nurse Ratched is certain that even after a patient has committed suicide, the best thing for the patients of the hospital to do is continue on with their daily routine. This insistence on unchanging routine is one of the greatest sources of her power.
Quote #8
Doctor: Of course, it's true that you went in for statutory rape.
McMurphy's no stranger to wanting to be in control. After all, the dude's a convicted rapist. It's important not to forget this when you see him chafing at the fact that he's being bossed around by Nurse Ratched.
Quote #9
Doctor: You've got at least five arrests for assault.
On top of his rape charge, McMurphy has five arrests for assault. That basically means that the guy has issues when it comes to control. Rape and assault are both crimes where the criminal wants to feel powerful. That's why it makes total sense that McMurphy would eventually try to kill the person who has total power over him—Nurse Ratched.