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Shawshank Redemption Ethics Essay

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Shawshank Redemption Ethics Essay
“I was in the path of the tornado... I just didn't expect the storm would last as long as it has.” , Is a quote from the character Andy Dufresen from the film Shawshank Redemption. It is one of many quotes that have greater meaning in this film about the path of Andy and his torturous life in prison.
Each of the three main characters in the film Shawshank Redemption has several events that change the morals and ethics of the character. It is a great example of how you can have a set of value that are ethical through you life but there are also occurrences that affect how you view what is the right thing to do in any given situation.
What is the definition of ethics? The basic definition is a set of rules that you follow as an individual or
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The Warden talks about the bible as a book to read and live by in all parts of life. He even mandates that every poisoner be issued a bible upon arrival. His ethics at this timer in the film would be parallel to the virtue ethics that was first championed by Aristotle(reference). Some one with a strict ethic virtue would believe that the bible or religion was the right path above all others. This person would want to be benevolent and they are not always compassionate towards others around them (reference virtue self centeredness).
Although The Warden would talk about the importance of the bible he was in no way had a shred of empathy for any of the inmates that he was in charge. He allowed behavior to continue in the prison such as severe beatings and personal attack take place by the guards and between inmates. In The Warden's eyes, the inmate’s duty was to be punished in order to rehabilitate them.
In the start of the film where Andy arrives at Shawshank prison the warden is standing in front of his new inmates when Hadley beats one of them for asking when they eat. The warden does not stop Hadley but seems indifferent to happenings in this situation. He simple watches Hadley finish and walks away as if nothing had

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