The Theme Of Freedom In The Shawshank Redemption

Frank Darabont 's film "The Shawshank Redemption" gave viewers an understanding of the hardships that were faced by prisoners on a regular basis which contributed to their mundane lifestyles. It visualized the injustices that occurred within the prison and created a sense of sympathy within us for the prisoners that had hopes of achieving freedom. The film provided us with insight into the minds of these individuals, specifically Andy Dufresne and Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding and used the themes of isolation, hope, and friendship to underscore the effects of imprisonment. (TS) Although Andy and Red shared commonalities, both characters perceived prison life and the subject of freedom very differently. (RS1) Andy and Red both have a unique point of view regarding the subject of freedom. (RS2) Furthermore, Red and Andy have contrasting ways of viewing life when it came to prison. (RS3) Finally, both characters viewed hope in their own way, Andy always had a sense of hope within him that he would be free and would make it through prison whereas Red felt hopeless and believed that this was his life and that nothing could change. (CS) Since we have looked at the different ways of comparing the lives of the two characters Andy and Red; we should not forget that fact that through the power of friendship, they were able to look aside their differences and embrace their similar characteristics. They looked to one another in times of need and their unique traits