The Day After Scene
The scene where Billy commits suicide followed by Mcmurphy strangling nurse Ratched is one of the most powerful scenes within the entirety of the movie. It is a major turning point of the whole film with many negative outcomes coming out as a result.
This scene is powerful for many different reasons. It displays many different sides of the characters that we would not see coming. When nurse Ratched begins to converse with Billy, she emotionally blackmails him by saying that she will tell his mother of his poor actions. This is an indication that she is using her power and authority in a negative and selfish way. She then asks him if he is proud of his actions. He then responds with a yes. This indicates that for the first time in his life that he has a sense of freedom. Even when he was walking up to talk with nurse Ratched, his peers were cheering him on which symbolises the bond they have grown over the period of time that Mcmurphy has been at the hospital. That hat being dirty and on the floor is also a symbol that nurse Ratched has lost her control and authority over the patients within the institution.
Just before Billy takes his life away, Mcmurphy is granted the chance to escape but instead decides not to. This is another powerful moment in the film as he feels as if he is quitting and giving up on his mates in the hospital. He also feels as if he can’t turn his back on Billy. He has grown a close relationship with Billy and by leaving him at the hospital will make Mcmurphy feel as if he betrayed him.
Billy killing himself also has many reasons alone why this scene is so powerful. When he...
