U2L4 Forum: Shawshank
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The Shawshank Redemption
1. Explain what items in Andy’s cell represent his character.
2. In Stephen King’s novel, Morgan Freeman’s character, Red, is a Caucasian Irishmen. Was it a wise choice to change that character to an African-American in the film? Explain. What does it add to the story? Andy and Red develop a close friendship throughout the film, during a period in time (1950-1965) when racial segregation was still common. What aspects of each of their character do you think helped bring them together?
3. In the film, Brooks is referred to as an “institutional man”. What does this mean? Why is he important to the film?
4. The film's dominant themes of hope, original sin, redemption, salvation, and faith in the afterlife have led some critics to interpret the film as a Christian parable (something Darabont denies as “fantastic”). Some Christian reviewers have referred to it as a film "true to Christian principles." If so, how does Warden Norton play into these lessons?
5. To what does The Shawshank Redemption refer? Who was redeemed? Who was the cause or impetus of the redemption?
6. “Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.” Discuss this tagline for The Shawshank Redemption.