So today in my math class we spent the period running an experiment that I can only assume shall be later used in some form of a work problem. The experiment required 1 partner, 2 die, a pencil, a piece of paper, and a high tolerance for an inane activity. The goal of the experiment was to roll the die and count how many times the sum of the two equaled seven. This was to be compared to the running tally of the total number of rolls. So as I sat in my desk rolling these die for the 40th, no wait 60th, scratch that 98th time and recording the phenomenon of the sum of seven I noticed a bit of a ruckus could be heard around the room. SEVEN! An abrupt squeal from the far right. I looked around the room and found that this cry was joined by several others. Suddenly the ENTIRE room was filled with the joyous cries of SEVEN! My partner Emily and I exchanged a look of confusion, and continued on with the task. It seemed that our whole class was fascinated with the fact that some times the sum of the two die equaled seven, and of course this was cause for celebration. I found myself wondering if something was wrong with my fellow classmates, I mean seriously, I understand having a good time and trying to make the activity more exciting, but they were legitimately excited about their findings. So, of course, seeing as I am an AP English student, I compared the situation to being in a mental institution, and feeling like the only sane person there. In this moment I feel I must give credit to McMurphy for his ability to cohesively fit in with the crowd at the institution. I think that I would have a much more difficult time letting my guard down around people who found it completely reasonable to shout out nonsensical phrases at random. Then again, this does pose the question of how sane McMurphy truly is, given that the narrator himself is a Chronic in the institution.
Hayden, that was honestly one of the strangest things I have ever witnessed. As I watched students jump out of their seats and scream "SEVEN," I also began to think about Kesey's novel. I find it very interesting that without discussion, we both began to relate the unusual experience to the novel. It really shows how involved and into the books we (AP English 12 students) get. At the same time however, I think it's almost unsettling how many blogs this week have been comparing random events to either insanity or the novel. It makes me truly question the sanity of society as well as the real definition of insanity.
ReplyDeleteI find this story very funny, Hayden. I am in AP Probability and Statistics as well and found this activity rather strange too. I did not think to relate it to One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, but after reading this I see that it really does seem to fit. It concerns me a bit how these simple daily tasks I partake in without thinking much of can seem somewhat insane if looked at more deeply.
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