For the patients’ morale, the fishing trip is a resounding success. The group starts out by mimicking McMurphy’s bravado after the encounters with the surly gas station attendants, but reverts to their weaker selves when confronted by the fishermen at the boating dock. After removing themselves from the mainland, however, the group finds their respective footing through camaraderie, laughter, fishing, and the company of a woman who isn’t a “ball-cutter.”
The strain of improving the morale of his fellow patients begins to show on McMurphy, however. He begins to fear for his life, which is displayed when he chooses a life jacket for himself even though there aren’t enough for the entire group. On the car ride back to the hospital, he tells a horrible story with a forced bravado that betrays his fatigue. Chief, watching McMurphy’s face in the intermittent light of oncoming vehicles, notices that his hero’s expression is frantic.
The religious imagery becomes much more apparent in this section as well. The character of Ellis, who is introduced as posing as if crucified in Part 1, tells the group that they are to be “fishers of men,” which is the same instructions Jesus Christ gave his apostles. Christ’s twelve apostles are echoed by Kesey’s use of twelve group members who accompany McMurphy on the fishing trip.
