Set in Oregon psychiatric hospital in the early 1960s, Ken Kesey's pivotal novel tackled ideas of institutionalization in a time when mental illness was highly stigmatized. Essays in this volume include a survey of the novel's critical reception, a comparison of Cuckoo's Nest to The Grapes of Wrath, and an examination of themes such as race, gender roles, and early American humor. Each essay is 2,500 to 5,000 words in length, and all essays conclude with a list of ""Works Cited,"" along with endnotes. Finally, the volume's appendixes offer a section of useful reference resources: About This Volume Critical Context: Original Introductory Essays Critical Readings: Original In-Depth Essays Further Readings Detailed Bibliography Detailed Bio of the Editor General Subject Index .