POINT OF VIEW: As narrator, Red is an inmate at Shawshank recalling the story of Andy Dufresne. Red gives the details of Andy's prison experience, relating episodes of rape, solitary punishment, and boredom to that of many prisoners. Because Red is the "go-to-get-it" person, he hears almost all stories through the grapevine; this is useful when figuring out information on Andy. The story is made more powerful coming from Red's point of view for several reasons. First, he was accurately imprisoned for his crimes but still has a good heart when dealing with others in "The Shank." Second, Red tells the story of the pure joy he felt from Andy's freedom. Red clearly states that the story is "all about [him]... Andy was the part of [Red] they could never lock up, the part... that will rejoice when the gates finally open...." Through Andy's story, Red depicts his views and fears of freedom.
PLOT: First and foremost, I found myself at times immersed in the years Red, the narrator, would throw out. Like any story being told, details are forgotten and one must backtrack to get an important story in; Red did just this. Each section ends with a cliff hanger which engages the reader and propels them forward. The hints at the end of each story or section adds up to the overall surprise of Andy's escape. The phrase "happy family" was repeated throughout the whole story to add irony to the criminals imprisoned.
Throughout the story, I kept searching for that pivotal moment when the story shifted. Overall, I think there were two big shifts in the story: the first is the scene where the prisoners are tarring the roof and Andy offers his financial service to the warden. From here, Andy acquires some leniency in the prison. The next shift comes when we are startled by the realization that Andy has escaped due to the leniency from the first shift! Both hold climactic qualities.
CHARACTERIZATION: As foil characters, Red and Andy expose each others' fears, discomforts, and hopes. Andy finds a hobby within the prison, and Red's the guy who can get the material for Andy's rock hobby. Red fears life outside structured prison, while Andy evidently yearns for it. Andy is innocent; Red is guilty. Andy is uncomfortable asking for the Rita Hayworth poster for seemingly obvious reasons. More subtly, Andy is introverted as seen in his library position; he searches and acts quietly and independently. "He searched almost desperately for something to divert his restless mind." Through Andy's character, we see more of Red's character: the outgoing, talkative, go-to guy.
The story involves both direct characterization through Red's accounts of the prisoners and indirect characterization as Red's interactions with others portray his personality.
SETTING: Maine and crime seem to juxtapose each other; therefore, I was immediately struck that a quiet, forgotten state like Maine held the prison in which the story is set. Crucial that the story is told from the prison setting, Red is able to relate the confinement of prison to the broad freedom of the outside world. Since the majority of the story takes place within Shawshank, the freedom of the outside world gains power: "The window is open and the sound of the traffic floating in seems huge, esciting, and intimidating."
The mid 1900's served as the perfect time frame. During the time the men were in jail, many advancements were being made on the outside, which Red had to face once free (the music, cars, jobs, etc.). Also, this time period was not equipped with the latest technology for solving cases, contributing to Andy's imprisonment. Without Andy, Red would not have been driven to remain out of jail and free!
THEME: "Some birds are not meant to be caged, that's all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild... And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place wehre you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure." The revalation I took from "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" is the necessity for willpower and human influnces in our lives. Because of Andy, Red remained out of trouble while on parole. No matter how we try to stop or change it, people impact our lives. Human will-power is a strong force; some people possess the right amount not to let anyone or anything hinder them.
I also understood the affect of preparing for the worst. Because Andy was prepared with an awaiting identity and savings, he was able to move on with his life. Perhaps King indicates the need for self-reliance and preparation for whatever is to come. For as long as my education continues (which will hopefully never end!), I don't know that I'll ever be comfortable with the word "theme." There are so many avenues to take when regarding theme!
No comments:
Post a Comment