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Playing music over loud speaker

This was important because it makes him and the other prisoners feel free; for that

moment they do not feel trapped by the prison walls.

Roof top scene

This was important because it shows that Andy is clever and persistent. For the

first time in the prison he felt normal because he was doing his usual job and

helping people. He and the others felt free.

Doing the guards taxes

This was important because it makes him feel normal and is putting him in a position

of power.

Writing the letters to the organisation

This was important because it shows his persistence and it once again makes him feel

normal.

Escaping/ digging of tunnel

This was important because it is when he ‘wins the game’ and when he becomes the

free bird.

Going to Mexico

This was important because it was the place that he dreamed of- “it has no memory”.

It is the place where he can just be himself and do what he had ever dreamer- he is

free to be his own man.

Relationships:

Red

Andy’s relationship with Red is important because he is the one that Andy can share

things with. Red is Andy’s friend and he is the one that most understands him. Plus

Red can also get the things that Andy wants and needs.

Brooks

Andy’s relationship with Brooks is important because they work together in the

library therefore they are able to get to know each other and Andy is able to talk

him out of killing their friend.

Tommy

Andy’s relationship with Tommy is important because Andy sees something in him. He

helps Tommy to learn how to read and helps him to pass his exams, he teaches him not

to give up. Tommy and Andy’s relationship is also important because Tommy is the one

who knows the truth about who really killed Andy’s wife.

Guards + warden

Andy’s relationship with the guards and the warden is important because by doing

their taxes it puts him in a position of power whilst also feeling normal again.

Andy enjoys ‘playing a game’ with the warden, wanting to ‘get one up’ on him.

Wife

Andy’s relationship with his wife is important because it is one of the reasons he

was convicted for her murder. Their relationship was strained and Andy came to

believe that he pushed her away by not caring which led to her dying.

Symbolism

Chess

Throughout the film Andy is playing a game of one upmanship with the

warden. In the end Andy wins, as he escapes and the warden shoots himself.

Music

This is a symbol of hope. Something that is inside Andy that the guards

can’t take away.

Birds

Used to show the idea of freedom. The prisoners are all caged birds, some

of which – for example Brooks – aren’t meant to be free. He had become

institutionalised and couldn’t cope with the outside world.

Also; Storms/Water, Stone carvings, Letters, Bible, Sewage pipe, Books and

Boat.

Dialogue

Some of the most poignant dialogue is to do with hope, and feeling free or

normal.

§        There are places in this world that aren't made out of stone. That

there's something inside... that they can't get to, that they can't touch.

That's yours….Hope.

§        Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can

drive a man insane. (Red)

§        You could argue he'd done it to curry favour with the guards. Or, maybe

make a few friends among us cons. Me, I think he did it just to feel

normal again, if only for a short while. (Red on Andy)

There is also a range of quotes with an ironic tone.

§        On the outside, I was an honest man, straight as an arrow. I had to come

to prison to be a crook.

§        Dear Warden, You were right. Salvation lies within

§        Geology is the study of pressure and time. That’s all it takes really...

pressure, and time... that and a big goddamn poster. (Red talking about Andy)