Shawshank Redemption Symbolism

As year 10 boys, we often question the importance of reading, with many of us just reading for fun, and not finding any benefits in reading a text. However, the novella “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption” by Stephen King is beneficial towards year 10 boys because it effectively examines important issues, such as the influence of institutions and the power of hope, in achieving any desires an individual has.
King confronts the importance of hope, in achieving any desires an individual has, through the author’s symbolic use of the protagonist Andy Dufrense, who is a representation of hope. Throughout the book, Andy’s utter hope and determination to keep control of his sense of self-value restricts him from dying of frustration and rage
while kept in solitary confinement. During his time in Shawshank prison, Andy persistently stays positive, by continually stating his goals, once released. This is highlighted when he says to Red: “When I get out of here, I’m going where it’s warm all the time”. The intentional connection between hope and the weather helps us become immersed in Andy’s hope, rather than just reading about it. In fact, hope plays such a big part to Andy, that it drives him to gain his freedom. Andy has the intention of making his hope a reality, through the painful progress he makes every year, using a rock hammer to tunnel his way through the concrete wall in his cell. Therefore, the book acts as an inspiration and benefits year 10 boys by illustrating the significance of hope and how hope can go a long way in helping us fulfil any goals we might have.
Additionally, the author examines the influence of institutions and its impacts on individuals.
King’s book benefits year 10 students through experience of the harsh reality of institutions. The confining nature of Shawshank prison convey the extent of the prisoner’s isolation and their damaged sense of identity. The idea of being institutionalised is presented through the character of Brooks Hatlen and his experience in Shawshank prison. He has been in prison for 50 years and has accustomed to a life that is based on routine and repetition. So, once Brooks’ parole is accepted and he’s released, he is not used to the outside world and cannot function in an unpredictable and free world. As a result, he commits suicide due to the inability to cope with outside life. This idea can also be seen in the character Red, who dreams of being released, but has no idea what life outside of prison is like and so, eventually struggles to find his place in society after nearly 40 years in prison. The influence of institutions is also relevant to year 10 boys because while most of us aren’t big fans of school, we can also become accustomed to life on the inside, and once we graduate and transition to life on the outside, we might find life hard to function. Thus, the book acts as a guide and benefits year 10 boys by informing the possible impacts of institutions.
Overall, reading the Shawshank Redemption is beneficial to year 10 boys due to the exploration of issues such as the power of hope as well as the influence of institutions and how institutions have the possibility to completely change a person’s
life.