The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption

Viewing Worksheet

What happens to Andy Dufresne and Red?

Andy and Red met in prison. Later they became friends.

What do we learn of Andy and Red's characters?

Andy’s character appears to be good hearted, which is why we believe in his innocence. Red is narrator of the story, contraband smuggler in the prison. With helping to each other they become best friends. What I learned is that doesn't matter whatever you did in the past you still can find true friend in unusual place.

What do we learn of the nature of the prison? Give examples.

The Shawshank prison grounds as a dark, dreary, and unpleasant place. This casts a shadow over the prison and creates a gloomy and rather lifeless atmosphere to it, establishing a depressing environment.

What does Andy endure in the first few years? Be accurate and specific.

In the first few years of his stay, he is beaten and sexually assaulted by other prisoners. He does not break down, reads his Bible in his cell and confidently walks by himself.

What does the library represent to Andy? Think about time, education, friends, music and hope.

The library represents freedom outside the walls of Shawshank. A bright window for the imagination that looks out to the world beyond the fences and barbed wire. Andy's dream for a library was to give all of the inmates a chance to escape their bondage for a while, a chance to be, at least for a brief time, free men once again.

Identify a scene where music is important. Explain how it is used and to what effect.

When you read a book, or listen to a piece of music, you are transported beyond the boundaries of your own little world, and you experience the visions of others in all of their human variations. When Andy plays the music over the tannoy, everyone stops what they're doing and for a few minutes they're free men in their minds.

Using evidence from the film, explain the following peoples characteristics and say why they are important:

• Warden Norton - chief of the prison. He portrays himself as a strict Christian, but this is most likely a facade to maintain a good public image. He has no problem with ordering Captain Byron Hadley to beat any inmate that interrupts him with his nightstick.
• Brooks - Brooks has been a prisoner at Shawshank prison for over 50 years. The peaceful old man who feeds birds and tends to the library. He is as a mentor for the others.
• Tommy - he was brought to prison on robbery charges. He told to Andy that his old prison-mate killed his wife.
• Captain Hadley - Hadley was a harsh prison guard who repeatedly beat inmates, in some cases so badly that they died. He saved Andy from the Sisters because Andy was useful to Hadley and Warden with finance advices.
• Other Secondary Characters:

Bogs Diamond - the head of "The Sisters" gang and a prison rapist.
Heywood - is a member of Red's gang who are long sentence serving convicts.

What happens at the end of the film? What message does it send to society?

The two main characters achieve their freedom and live happily ever after.