《飞越疯人院》中酋长角色的多元性

The Multiple Identities of Chief Bromden in“One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest”

肯·克西因为在《飞越疯人院》一书中成功塑造了一位勇于对抗强权的斗士麦克墨菲而被世人铭记。然而,作者在书中的配角精神病患酋长身上同样倾注了匠心。他通过对酋长形象多层次的刻画,不仅推动了故事情节的发展,也强化了小说的主旨。作为叙事者,酋长形象地还原了病房内斗争的过程;作为斗争的参与者,酋长的蜕变从侧面印证了麦克墨菲给病人们带来的鼓舞,成就了其英雄形象;而作为社会最底层的一员,酋长的遭遇有力地控诉了当时美国社会恃强凌弱的黑暗面。

Ken Kesey is world famous for depicting a heroic fighter McMurphy in his novel One Flew ＂Over the Cuckoo＇s Nest＂. Yet, Chief Bromden, a minor character in the novel, also embodies the author＇ s ingenuity. By endowing Chief with multiple identities, Kesey strengthens the theme of the novel, while smoothly developing the plot. As a narrator, Chief faithfully records the conflicts in the ward; as a rebel, Chief transforms throughout the novel, reflecting the enlightenment McMurphy brings to the patients; as an outcast, Chief forcefully condemns the oppression that was prevalent in the American society back then.