According to McMurphy, why was he labeled a psychopath?

According to McMurphy, why was he labeled a psychopath?

• A. He refuses to follow orders
• B. He has a low IQ
• C. Fights too much and has too much sexual activity
• D. Is not from the ward

Answer: (C)

The main idea the question tests is how the ward uses psychiatric labels as a way to exert power and control over nonconforming patients. McMurphy is labeled a psychopath because the staff view his behavior—frequent fighting and sexual activity—as signs of dangerous, uncontrollable deviance rather than as simple rebellion. In their view, these actions demonstrate a character that cannot be managed within the ward’s rules, which justifies labeling him as mentally ill and needing strict confinement. This isn’t about his IQ, where he’s from, or merely refusing to follow orders; it’s about the hospital interpreting his disruptive behavior as evidence of psychopathology to maintain order and authority.

The main idea the question tests is how the ward uses psychiatric labels as a way to exert power and control over nonconforming patients. McMurphy is labeled a psychopath because the staff view his behavior—frequent fighting and sexual activity—as signs of dangerous, uncontrollable deviance rather than as simple rebellion. In their view, these actions demonstrate a character that cannot be managed within the ward’s rules, which justifies labeling him as mentally ill and needing strict confinement. This isn’t about his IQ, where he’s from, or merely refusing to follow orders; it’s about the hospital interpreting his disruptive behavior as evidence of psychopathology to maintain order and authority.