The Shawshank Redemption Essay Example

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The conventional literary symbol of the storm, representing transformation by sweeping away the past, reinforces this image. This moment provides a feeling of happiness and tranquility for Andy as well as the viewers, yet his escape significantly influences the inmates he abandoned. His determination to escape kindles optimism among his fellow prisoners. This influence is observed particularly in its impact on Red.

Owing to Andy's sway, Red begins to nurture the hope of possibly gaining freedom from Shawshank someday. Right after Andy's flight from Shawshank, Red conveys, I constantly remind myself that certain birds are not destined to be confined, their plumage is simply too radiant, and when they take flight, the aspect within you that knows it was a wrong to incarcerate them does exult; however, the place you inhabit becomes considerably more dull and void now that they've departed. I suppose I'm just missing my friend. Red's portrayal of Andy as a vividly feathered bird echoes the significant influence Andy wielded in Shawshank. The symbolic employment of the bird metaphor, in tandem with the use of highly charged language in words like "radiant" and "exult", underscores the burgeoning sense of hope Red experiences subsequent to Andy's breakout.

Andy's persistent dedication over two decades seeking liberation, coupled with the evident influence of his optimism on others, bares the inherent desire among the characters for freedom. The moment featuring Andy and his cellmates relishing beers on the roof harnesses key notions of experiencing liberation amidst confinement. The perpetual encounters with the guard's savagery instills fear in the prisoners toward their superiors. As they find themselves outside the prison during a work

outing, Andy and his collaborators encounter an unexpected surge of freedom.

Andy's boldness earns him the guards' goodwill in an uncommon moment of human connection, allowing the inmates to unwind with beer and contemplate their freedom. This notion is narrated by Red, who states, "With the sun warming our backs as we sipped our beers, we could almost picture ourselves as free individuals. It felt as if we were roofing our own homes. We felt like masters of the universe. ” As Red speaks, the scene shifts from a medium shot to a wider shot revealing the strategic use of physical space that reflects a sense of liberation. The camera work also highlights the change in power dynamics.

During their imbibing, both the prisoners and guards are portrayed via straight-on camera angles. This fleeting instance of parity sharply contradicts the notable power disparity demonstrated earlier through overhead shots of the prisoners and undershots of the guards. This temporary liberation's impact on the men and subsequently, the viewers, reinforces the potent desire for freedom in individuals. The Shawshank Redemption delves into not just physical confinement but also psychological emancipation. The prison's walls physically restrain the inmates in Shawshank, but the establishment additionally strives to confine their spirits.

Despite their tangible lack of freedom, the inmates strive for any semblance of liberation. This is exemplified when Andy broadcasts music through the prison's public address system. As the melodies permeate the chilly stonework of Shawshank, every prisoner in the courtyard is seen motionless, completely captivated by the music. Red narrates this event by stating that the soaring voices reached heights and distances beyond what anyone

could dare to envision in such a bleak environment.

The feeling was akin to a magnificent bird fluttering into our dull, confined cage, causing the walls to seem to vanish and, however briefly, allowing every man in Shawshank to feel a sense of liberation. This experience deviates significantly from their usual monotonous prison routine, leaving them with a mental escape from the rigorous regimentation of prison life. The symbolic freedom they find in music is paired with the metaphorical representation of a bird imprisoned in a cage. Red's narrative enriches the scene with the weight and significance of the concept of liberty for the convicts.

Specifically, the metaphorical assertion that the music "caused the walls to vanish" physically illustrates the inmates' sensation of liberty. The role of music is to provide a mental and emotional getaway that the confines of Shawshank prevent. Throughout the movie, the recurring theme of a bird is utilized to embody freedom. As birds are perceived to be regal creatures capable of unrestricted movement at any moment, they serve as blithe symbols of independence. The walls of Shawshank imprison the inmates much like a bird trapped within a cage.

Red's characterization of freedom as a symbolic concept can be seen when he explains the impact of music played over the public announcement system, saying, "It felt as if a gorgeous avian creature had flown into our bland, confined space, making those walls vanish." Red uses this same metaphor after Andy escapes to reflect on its influence on the inmates. Sometimes, I must tell myself that certain birds are not designed for captivity. Their plumage is simply too vibrant,

and when they decide to flee, a part of you that understands it was wrong restraining them does rejoice. However, your dwelling becomes noticeably more gloomy and vacant without their presence.

It seems I'm missing my friend. Frequently, a bird's portrayal serves as a symbol for peace and freedom. This icon is also utilized in Red's quotes to highlight the longing and aspiration for liberty. This impact is amplified by incorporating poignant language. Phrases like "rejoice", "bright", and "drab" underscore the significance of freedom for the inmates. The manner in which Red uses the repeated symbol of the bird to depict liberty embodies the prisoners' necessity to cling to their hope for liberation. For Shawshank's long-standing convicts, the establishment has become their entire life.

The persistent absence of liberty makes them dependent on their system as the obstacles of freedom seem overwhelming. This dependency brought on by the institutionalisation is apparent in the character of Red when he finally confronts his impending freedom. He demonstrates admirable bravery when dealing with the hardship of freedom, tackling his anxieties about the world beyond Shawshank. Both Brooks and Red, being among Shawshank's most senior inmates, have grown to rely heavily on that institution. Upon release, they both encounter identical challenges and fears related to freedom. The film intentionally sets up identical scenarios for the release of these two characters.

The film mirrors similar situations that both protagonists encounter on the bus, in the halfway house, and at the supermarket. It highlights their emotional responses when faced with liberation, enabling audiences to contrast directly between Brookes' and Red's handling of life

outside Shawshank's boundaries. In contrast to Brookes who yielded to intense institutionalization leading him to take his own life in the halfway house, Red was able to overcome his negative feelings even when tempted back towards the emotional haven that Shawshank represented.

The instance where he is poised before a shop display, scrutinizing a collection of compasses and firearms on sale, encapsulates this concept. The firearm, in this context, stands for despair as he must decide either to violate his parole, succumbing to institutional control, or to continue his life. Conversely, the compass signifies hope and guidance, necessary to locate the oak tree that Andy talked about earlier.

This highlights the choice between hopelessness and positivity: Red is faced with the decision to either return to Shawshank, where he has spent his entire existence, or embrace a hopeful outlook for an improved future by seeking Andy. This positive attitude is reflected in Red's narrative as he states, "I hope I can cross the border. I hope to meet my friend and give him a handshake. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope." The frequent repetition of the word "hope" from Red implies that there has been a transformation in his mindset and viewpoint - contrasting with his previous pessimistic view on hope during his time in jail.

Throughout the film, Andy's continuous supply of hope helps Red to overcome his prolonged confinement. Despite its difficulty, Red's choice to embrace his freedom reflects a fundamental human instinct. Every Shawshank prison inmate persistently yearned for an escape from the prison's suffocating confines. Andy managed to

break free due to his unwavering determination, and in the same way, Red pursued liberty through the hope that Andy provided. However, Brookes stood out as an anomaly; what others saw as freedom was a nightmare for him. According to him, joy and prosperity were limited within the jail walls since he had nothing awaiting him in the outside world.

Brookes' desire for liberation drove him to take extreme steps, even if it meant risking a friend's life in order to remain safe within Shawshank's boundaries. The effects of institutionalisation on Brookes are depicted through Red's statement, "I assure you, the walls have an odd effect. Initially, you loathe them, then gradually, you become accustomed to their presence. Eventually, with the passage of time, they become a necessity - that defines being institutionalised." When Brookes is finally released and his dependence on the institution becomes apparent. A close-up shot of him on the bus portrays his departure from prison.

The detailed shot captures his feelings of grief and terror clearly. The fear can be apparent through his hands that grasp the seat firmly, reluctant to let go and venture into an unknown world. Brookes is the sole character in the film opposed to liberty, consequently leading to his self-destruction. He was unable to bear what others in prison considered as freedom. His ending of his own life was an escape from his mental turmoil. Devastating thoughts of freedom drove him to end his life, for he believed there were no chances for him beyond Shawshank.

"Being sentenced to life imprisonment essentially robs you of your existence, a fact tragically exemplified by Brooks'

demise. Before committing suicide, Brooks experienced a fleeting joy, symbolising the mental freedom obtained through his self-inflicted death. The profound effects of institutionalisation on Brooks, combined with the daunting prospect of autonomy, led him towards this tragic end. The Shawshank Redemption explores both the idea of freedom and the desire for the safety within an institution's boundaries. The sense of liberty gives individuals control over their lives and instills them with a reason to exist.

The potent force of the Shawshank walls suppresses the inmates’ self-esteem and hope, thus altering their life trajectory. However, an innate sense of liberty, even in the face of physical confinement, empowers the prisoners to mentally transcend the imposing prison boundaries. This rekindles their human spirit, instilling confidence and hope that help them unlock their latent potential. In The Shawshank Redemption, the quest for freedom imbues the prisoners with a sense of purpose. Irrespective of being physically confined within Shawshank or dealing with the intimidating freedom of the outside world, this liberty serves as their life's underpinning motive.