McMurphy is given three more electroshock treatments, but his rebellious behavior continues while he is assigned to the Disturbed Ward. He declares that the treatments serve to recharge his batteries. He even goes so far as to pinch Ratched's behind. Chief recognizes, however, that McMurphy's stoicism falters whenever he hears his name called for another treatment.
McMurphy's absence from the ward, however, is serving to increase his legend among Harding, Scanlon, Bibbit, and the others. Realizing this, Ratched makes plans to bring McMurphy back to the ward. Fearing that she'll make an example out of McMurphy by keeping him in an electroshock-induced stupor, the patients devise an escape plot for him.
When McMurphy returns, he rejects the escape plan because he wants to be present when Starr visits for the express purpose of relieving Bibbit of his virginity.
During the next group meeting, Ratched suggests to Doctor Spivey that perhaps more drastic measures are required to curtail McMurphy's aggressive tendencies. She suggests an operation, which prompts McMurphy to ask, "There's no cause to do any cuttin', now, has there?" Not realizing he's talking about castration, Ratched begins to respond that the new procedure for lobotomies doesn't require cutting. When she realizes he's talking about his testicles in an attempt to make fun of her, she stops smiling.
