It's not surprising that a story that takes place in a prison features quite a bit of talk about freedom—or, more specifically, the lack of freedom.
King writes about freedom as a dream in Shawshank, something the characters desperately want but can't ever have, at least not until the end of the story. We appreciate freedom the most when we don't have it, and in Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, King wants us to become aware of this fact by repeatedly reminding us that Andy and Red are stuck where they are in Shawshank for a very long time.
Questions About Freedom and Confinement
- Why don't we know about the jailbreak from the beginning of the story? Would it be more effective if we did?
- What does the story say about the value of simple pleasures when you're imprisoned? Find some examples in the text. (Trust us, they're there.)
- Does Norton think Andy is innocent? Is that different from thinking that Andy deserves to be in prison? Why or why not?
- What does "institutionalization" say about the power of confinement? Can anyone not be institutionalized after being stuck in prison as long as Andy and Red have been?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Andy's confinement is an illusion because he doesn't let it bother him.
Andy's still confined and suffering, even though he keeps his hopes up.