A detailed analysis of the film "Shawshank Redemption"

"I believe in two things. Discipline and the bible. Here, you'll receive both. Put your trust in the Lord. Your ass belongs to me. Welcome to Shawshank." These words, spoken by Mr Norton, the prison warden, greet the men as they arrive at Shawshank prison. An indication of what they should expect of the place. "Shawshank Redemption" is a film about a banker named Andy who is sentenced to prison for two life sentences for …

…a person first goes to jail they want to get out. After a while they begin to depend on the walls. Inside they are a 'somebody', but outside they are a 'nobody'. In sentencing someone to life, that is exactly what they get. When released it is hard to take up a place of respect within the community that resembles what they received from the inside, especially with examples like Mr Norton and the guards.