Essay On The Shawshank Redemption
“Everyone needs freedom.”
Discuss this idea in light of your study of The Shawshank Redemption.
The walls of Shawshank are both confining and comforting for the men they imprison. The Shawshank Redemption takes a dual approach to ideas of freedom, exploring both the need for a sense of freedom and the desire to remain in the security of the institution. Andy’s twenty-year struggle to escape represents the profound human need to be free. The enjoyment of the prisoners as they share beers while tarring a factory roof and the mental release they feel as Andy plays forbidden music across the hijacked public address system demonstrate the idea that a sense of freedom is essential when physical escape is impossible. However, for prisoners who come to depend on the structure of their confinement, freedom is an intimidating challenge. Both Red and Brooks become institutionalised and struggle to survive in the world outside the prison’s walls. While Red chooses to make the most of his freedom, the experience is too much for Brooks and his release causes him to kill himself. While the film …show more content…
The feeling of freedom gives an individual a sense of control over their world, and in turn gives them a reason to live. The walls of Shawshank have the power to repress the hope and sense of self-worth of individuals, and change the direction of their life. A sense of freedom, even when denied actual physical freedom, allows the prisoners to escape the confining walls of the gaol. This revitalises the human spirit in each of them, giving them a sense of confidence and hope which enables them to reach their potential. In The Shawshank Redemption, the desire for freedom gives the prisoners a sense of purpose. This freedom gives them a reason to live, whether they are imprisoned inside the walls of Shawshank or confronted by the freedom of the outside
Discuss this idea in light of your study of The Shawshank Redemption.
The walls of Shawshank are both confining and comforting for the men they imprison. The Shawshank Redemption takes a dual approach to ideas of freedom, exploring both the need for a sense of freedom and the desire to remain in the security of the institution. Andy’s twenty-year struggle to escape represents the profound human need to be free. The enjoyment of the prisoners as they share beers while tarring a factory roof and the mental release they feel as Andy plays forbidden music across the hijacked public address system demonstrate the idea that a sense of freedom is essential when physical escape is impossible. However, for prisoners who come to depend on the structure of their confinement, freedom is an intimidating challenge. Both Red and Brooks become institutionalised and struggle to survive in the world outside the prison’s walls. While Red chooses to make the most of his freedom, the experience is too much for Brooks and his release causes him to kill himself. While the film …show more content…
The feeling of freedom gives an individual a sense of control over their world, and in turn gives them a reason to live. The walls of Shawshank have the power to repress the hope and sense of self-worth of individuals, and change the direction of their life. A sense of freedom, even when denied actual physical freedom, allows the prisoners to escape the confining walls of the gaol. This revitalises the human spirit in each of them, giving them a sense of confidence and hope which enables them to reach their potential. In The Shawshank Redemption, the desire for freedom gives the prisoners a sense of purpose. This freedom gives them a reason to live, whether they are imprisoned inside the walls of Shawshank or confronted by the freedom of the outside