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Andy Dufresne Sociology

1438 Words6 Pages

In modern society, capital punishment is the understood punishment for those that commit violent crimes. In the confined walls of prison, the inmates have to adapt to the institution and except the differing norms of the surrounding they may call home for many years. This adaptation is seen as wealthy banker, Andy Dufresne, was found guilty for the murder of his wife and her lover. The film follows Andy through his journey as he runs into unique characters like Brooks, Red, and the warden. Although, Andy was falsely convicted, he was able to experience prison and all of the negative stigmas that prison entails. The film is able to express key sociological concepts and validate and dispute social norms before Andy digs his way out of incarceration. …show more content…

Although Dufresne did not actually pull the trigger, he always blamed himself for pushing his wife away, eventually resulting in her death. The effort and motivation put forth is all in hopes of being redeemed for his wife’s murder. His sense of guilt is the motive for his behavior inside the prison walls. He becomes the good guy once and for all, and redeems himself and gives a sense of redemption to many of the other prisoners like Red. According to Frank Elwell from Rogers State University and his study of Verstehen, “Sentiments are powerful forces in motivating human behavior” (Elwell 1996)) and that is precisely what was leading Andy’s behavior. For example, Andy built a library, helped prisoners acquire their GED, requested beers for his coworkers, and also got the warden the punishment he deserved. Andy was on a journey to redeem himself by adding positive factors to those who were deserving and adding negative factors to those who were not. In accordance, the warden committed many acts of injustice but was never caught until Andy set the truth free. Finally, once Andy felt as though he was redeemed enough, he decided to escape the place he never deserved to reside in from the beginning. The unique driving force behind Andy’s actions results in a distinct attitude and result from his time in prison. Additionally, incarceration is perpetrated for criminals to find their peace and their redemption. Therefore, Andy Dufresne was finally at peace with his life and fell into the social norm of rehabilitation by

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