In this section, Chief observes that Harding’s wife is an emasculating, “ball-cutting,” flirt. Her actions imply that she is unfaithful because Harding is a weak lover and she has no use for his education. Kesey depicts Harding as an effeminate man whose education contributed to his emasculated state. The introduction of Mrs. Harding, however, evokes a sympathetic response toward Harding from the reader. Even though he denies it, McMurphy sympathizes as well, as evidenced by the pent-up aggression he displays after she leaves. Controlling his thoughts and angry impressions concerning Mrs. Harding causes him to lose control of the playing cards.
