McMurphy's Violent Rebellion

When McMurphy decides to rebel against Nurse Ratched, it is in a completely different manner. It is no longer humorous, like sitting in front of the blank TV screen. McMurphy's strength becomes less mental and more physical. Breaking the window is his first act of violence—far more serious than his humorous jabs. Moreover, the glass, which is kept so spotless that it is almost invisible, represents the control Nurse Ratched has over the patients and the ward (even including the doctors); it is so subtle that they sometimes forget it is there. By breaking the glass, McMurphy reminds the other patients that her power over them is always there, while at the same time suggesting that their awareness of her power makes that power breakable.