Cuckoo's Nest Part II

The character of McMurphy really develops in Part II, and his influence on the other members of the ward is evident. He brings a more masculine and rebellious attitude that is in many ways admired and respected by the other patients. Since he arrived at the ward, the other members have been a bit more daring and bold about their grievences that they have kept long silent. However, a shift in his approach to Nurse Ratched changes as he no longer goes out of his way to get under her skin the way he previously did in Part I.
In Part II, McMurphy takes on the role of the main character, as he consumes more of the pages than narrator Cheif Bromden. More of the action of the novel revolves around McMurphy at this point rather than Cheif Bromden, however, because Cheif Bromden is the narrator, only his thoughts appear on the page.
At meetings, McMurphy seems to be the most vocal opposition to Nurse Ratched and the staff. However, his most important meeting was the one in which he silently reacts to the rationing of cigarettes. He strategizes his insubordination in way in which he can go unpunished; a shrewd and clever thought. He remains silent rather than vocally reacting, sticks his hand through the glass window of Nurse Ratched's office (where the cigarettes have been kept), breaking the glass claiming that it was so spotless that he forget it was there. Everyone in the meeting is stunned, and Nurse Ratched is even fearful.
Despite breaking the glass, McMurphy gets permission to assemble and train a basketball team. This establishes McMurphy officially as a leader of his fellow patients. They already admired him, but now he has some given authority over them because he is now the captin of their basketball team. Once the glass is replaced, one of the members intentionally bounce the ball through the glass, causing it to break and also deflating the ball, ending the basketball season. But not before a game between the staff and the patients in which McMurhpy gets a little physical with one of the black boys.
Another nod to McMurphy's leadership is the way Harding seeks McMurphy's approval of his wife. Harding is very excited to introduce his wife to McMurphy and asks his opinion of her after her visit is over. McMurphy however, is disinterested and claims he has better things to worry about.
McMurphy emerges as a leader in Part II whether willingly or unwillingly. His daring demeanor and unpredictability earns him the respect and admiration of his peers, and maybe even a little bit of respect from Nurse Ratched too.