Analysis Of Shawshank Redemption

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INTRODUCTION
Throughout history, man has relied on stories to pass along the shared knowledge of their culture and morals. In today’s society, movies fulfill this niche and often provide a mirror into the deeper workings and ethics that influence our modern culture (Rosenstand, 2013). The 1994 film, The Shawshank Redemption, depicts the inner workings of a prison-society in the mid-20th century by following the chronicles of Andy Dufresne’s incarceration. As the story of the Shawshank State Penitentiary in Maine unfolds, several ethical issues become prevalent, providing a platform from which we can evaluate the ethical principles of power and leadership, as well as justice/injustice and the consequences that weave common threads amongst many of this film’s major characters.

SYNOPSIS
In spite of his claims of innocence, the story of Andy Defresne begins with his trial and conviction for murdering his wife and her lover. He is sentenced to back-to-back life terms at Shawshank Prison. Initially, Andy is disliked by the other inmates because of his introverted demeanor. Over time Andy manages to forge a friendship with “Red” Redding and his gang and begins to find his niche within the prison society. Andy also uses his financial skills and becomes popular with the prison guards, even winning over the vicious head guard, Captain Hadley. Hadley realizing Andy’s value extends protection to him in exchange for his financial advice. The Warden also realizes Andy’s value begins to utilize Andy’s banking skills by exchanging his financial skills for privileges. In spite of all the corruption within the prison, Andy manages to hold onto his dignity and humanity by using his wits and confidence. Andy teaches h...

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... persistence when attempting to garner funds for the prison library demonstrates his belief in hope humanity. Andy utilizes his power to bring about positive ethical changes for the entire prison. This again demonstrates how the ethical positions of a leader have relational consequences upon the actions of their followers.

CONCLUSION
The hierarchy of ethics that function within the subculture of Shawshank prison is quite visible and demonstrates to the viewer the concepts of power, justice and redemption. This film exposes how difficult it can be to function with your ethics and morals intact while living in a corrupt world. Ultimately, Andy teaches us that in spite of doing what we have to in order to survive, the choice of how we respond ultimately lies within each of us. “Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.”

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