A symbol is a `sign' that represents a more complex notion, especially a material object used to represent something abstract. An olive branch and dove often symbolize peace; the colour purple, royalty; the Swastika, the effect of Hitler's Nazi army in World War II, the list is endless. Kesey's use of symbolism in One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest enables the reader to obtain a clearer understanding of the characters and events in the novel. Some of the symbolic references used by Kesey include size, machinery, religion as well as many more.

The way that Kesey incorporated the use of size was very symbolic. To be a `large' or `huge' person in this novel, you had to be seen as being powerful and superior. For example, Chief Bromden always referred to the head nurse as `The Big Nurse' as his perception of her was that she was a...