How does McMurphy figure out that Bromden is not deaf?

How does McMurphy figure out that Bromden is not deaf?

• A. Bromden nods when someone speaks.
• B. Bromden smiles when McMurphy jokes.
• C. He notices Bromden jumps whenever McMurphy claims that one of the boys is coming for him.
• D. Bromden writes notes to respond.

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is how to read a character’s true abilities through a real-time reaction. McMurphy tests Bromden’s supposed deafness by telling him that someone is coming for him, and Bromden’s body jerks or jumps in response. That immediate, involuntary reaction shows he did hear the comment and understood it, which proves he is not deaf. Deafness would typically mute that kind of responsive reaction to a spoken cue, especially a sudden, threatening one. This moment reveals Bromden’s awareness beneath his feigned silence and helps McMurphy see that Bromden isn’t as powerless as he pretends. The other cues are less definitive for proving hearing. A nod or a smile could occur in response to many things and doesn’t definitively show auditory perception, while writing notes would show a way to communicate but not directly demonstrate the ability to hear in the moment.

The main idea being tested is how to read a character’s true abilities through a real-time reaction. McMurphy tests Bromden’s supposed deafness by telling him that someone is coming for him, and Bromden’s body jerks or jumps in response. That immediate, involuntary reaction shows he did hear the comment and understood it, which proves he is not deaf. Deafness would typically mute that kind of responsive reaction to a spoken cue, especially a sudden, threatening one. This moment reveals Bromden’s awareness beneath his feigned silence and helps McMurphy see that Bromden isn’t as powerless as he pretends.

The other cues are less definitive for proving hearing. A nod or a smile could occur in response to many things and doesn’t definitively show auditory perception, while writing notes would show a way to communicate but not directly demonstrate the ability to hear in the moment.