Final answer:
Men's treatment of Bromden changes from treating him as invisible to respecting him as a key group member after he returns to the ward in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', highlighting empowerment and individual impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The way men treat Bromden in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' changes significantly after he returns to the ward following his electroconvulsive therapy. Initially, the men treat Bromden as if he is invisible and inconsequential, largely because he has feigned deafness and muteness, which allows him to go unnoticed.
However, after McMurphy arrives and encourages Bromden to embrace his physical stature and mental presence, the men begin to see Bromden in a new light.
They start to treat him with more respect and consider him an integral member of the group, recognizing his contributions and involving him in their plans to challenge the oppressive regime of Nurse Ratched.
This shift demonstrates the theme of empowerment and the impact one individual can have on the transformation of those around them.