THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
introduction
Throughout this project, we have explored crime, punishment, famous criminals and American society between the 1940s and the 1970s. We are now ready to begin working with The Shawshank Redemption.
The film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is sent to Shawshank Prison in 1947. While the film takes place inside a prison, it is about much more than crime and punishment. It explores how people respond to difficult circumstances and how life can change over time.
Before we begin watching the film, we will learn about the author who wrote the original story and meet some of the most important characters.
Part one: Stephen King
The Shawshank Redemption is based on a novella written by Stephen King called Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.
Stephen King is one of the world’s most successful authors. He was born in Portland, Maine, in 1947 and has written more than sixty novels and hundreds of short stories. Many of his books have been adapted into films and television series.
King is best known for writing horror stories such as Carrie, The Shining and It. However, not all of his stories are horror. Some focus on friendship, personal growth and overcoming challenges. The Shawshank Redemption is one of these stories.
Although the film takes place in a prison, it is not primarily a story about crime. Instead, it explores the lives of the people inside Shawshank and the choices they make while living there.
Part one: watch
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Part one: questions
Answer the following questions about Stephen King. You need to use the text above and the mini-documentary when answering the questions.
- Where was Stephen King born?
- What type of stories is he most famous for?
- Name two famous books written by Stephen King.
- How is The Shawshank Redemption different from many of his other stories?
- What surprised you most about Stephen King?
Part two: Meet the Characters
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Andy Dufresne
- Banker
- Convicted of murdering his wife and her lover
- Sentenced to two life sentences
- New prisoner at Shawshank
Andy enters Shawshank as an educated and intelligent man who has little experience with prison life. He tends to remain calm and thoughtful, even in difficult situations. As a new prisoner, he must learn how to survive in an environment with its own rules, dangers and challenges.
Ellis “Red” Redding
- Long-term prisoner
- Respected by both prisoners and staff
- Seen by many inmates as an informal leader
- Known for being able to obtain items from outside prison
- Narrator of the story
Red has spent many years inside Shawshank and understands prison life better than almost anyone else. Other prisoners often seek his advice and trust his judgement. Because of his experience and reputation, Red plays an important role within the prison community.
Warden Samuel Norton
- Leader of Shawshank Prison
- Presents himself as religious and moral
- Controls many aspects of prison life
As warden, Norton has great power over both the prisoners and the staff inside Shawshank.Warden Norton is responsible for running Shawshank Prison. He often speaks about morality, discipline and the importance of following the rules. As the most powerful person in the prison, his decisions affect both the prisoners and the staff. His leadership plays an important role in shaping life inside Shawshank.
Captain Byron Hadley
- Head prison guard
- Strict and feared by prisoners
- Believes strongly in discipline
Captain Hadley is responsible for maintaining order inside the prison. He expects prisoners to follow the rules and does not tolerate disobedience. Many inmates fear him because of his strict methods and his willingness to use force when he believes it is necessary.
Part three: What Will We Focus On?
As we watch The Shawshank Redemption, we will focus on three important ideas:
Fear
How do people react when they are frightened, uncertain or powerless?
Hope
What gives people hope during difficult times?
Determination
How do people continue moving forward when life is challenging?
Collecting evidence
While watching the film, you will collect notes and evidence in your printed booklet. These notes will help you prepare for class discussions and for your final five-paragraph essay.
As you watch, pay attention to both the characters and the prison environment. Think about how fear, hope and determination are shown throughout the story.
To help organise your notes, we will divide the film into three sections:
Beginning
The introduction of Shawshank Prison, the main characters and the challenges Andy faces when he first arrives.
Middle
Life inside Shawshank and the relationships that develop between the characters.
Turning Point / Ending
Important events that change the direction of the story and lead towards the film’s conclusion.
Remember, throughout the film, look for examples of fear, hope and determination. The more evidence you collect while watching, the easier it will be to write about it later.