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Ken Kesey
Ken Kesey
Oregon. His life was an interesting mix of literature and experimental theatre.
During his studies at the University of Oregon, he participated in a volunteer program at a hospital,
where he was one of the volunteers testing newly developed psychotropic substances, especially
LSD. This experience strongly influenced his world view and later became a key element in his literary
work.
His writing style is often associated with the Beat Generation and the hippie movement. Kesey
experimented with language, structure, and the psychology of characters. His works are often sorted
between "psychedelic literature," where the author tries to capture and convey experiences through
unconventional methods and symbolism.
His literary style was variated, and he wrote novels, short stories, or plays. Kesey was also involved in
a theatre group called the "Merry Pranksters," which gained fame for their travels across America in
a colourful bus called "Furthur."
Ken Kesey passed away in 2001, but his works continue to inspire new generations of writers and
readers, and his unconventional approach to literature remains a significant part of modern art.
Except for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," Kesey also wrote other significant works such as
"Sometimes a Great Notion." In these novels, he explored issues of authority and conformity in
society with a deep and often controversial perspective.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which is an American adaptation of this book, directed by Miloš
Forman and starring Jack Nicholson. This film is from 1975 and won many of the Academy Awards.