Dale Harding |
Dale Harding is the most highly educated patient in the ward, having a college degree and being very well-read. Before McMurphy's entrance, he is the appointed leader of the patients. Despite this leadership position, he is somewhat of a social outcast, especially with the implication that he is homosexual.
He is constantly haunted by his insecurities, paranoia, and humiliation with himself due to the fact that he may be homosexual, as he cannot satisfy his wife. With the paranoia that the society would be dangerous to him if it was known that he was homosexual, Harding admitted himself into the ward. Despite him having the free choice to leave whenever he wants, he refrains from doing so because he fears the actions Nurse Ratched may take on him. The Big Nurse targets Harding by verbal abuse and humiliation during the therapy sessions, forcing him to share the details of his sexual life with everyone. But when McMurphy comes along and earns the respect and authority of the patients, he teaches Harding to become more confident and courageous. Harding joins McMurphy in his rebellion and eventually sees the rambunctious redhead as the one in charge, not Nurse Ratched. So when her power is destroyed, Harding is the first patient to leave the hospital. |