The Shawshank Redemption

Question 1

Who is the main character in Shawshank?

Answer 1

Andy Dufrene

Question 2

What technique does Darabont use throughout the film?

Answer 2

Symbolism

Question 3

What is the main theme in Shawshank?

Answer 3

The idea of resisting institutionalisation through the power of hope

Question 4

What are the 3 main symbols used in Shawshank?

Answer 4

The Holy Bible
Music
Rita Hayworth

Question 5

What does the Holy Bible first symbolise in the film?

Answer 5

Warden Norton’s power and corruption

Question 6

How does Warden Norton use the bible as a symbol of power?

Answer 6

To intimidate and frighten his new prisoners

Question 7

What does the first scene at Shawshank show?

Answer 7

Fearful prisoners behind a yellow line.

Norton hold the bible as he welcomes the prisoners (mid shot)

Question 8

What quote shows that Norton is willing to exploit the Bible and The Lord?

Answer 8

“I believe in two things, discipline and the Bible. Here you’ll receive both. Put your faith in The Lord, your ass belongs to me”

Question 9

How is hope powerful?

Answer 9

It enables people to keep going and motivates them to push forward. Hope have Andy a reason to live and survive, mental strength and a sense of freedom

Question 10

What does the Bible symbolise at the end of the film?

Answer 10

Andy’s courage and intelligence

Question 11

How does Andy use the bible against Norton?

Answer 11

By hiding the rock hammer in there and replacing the ‘black book’ with a bible when he escapes

Question 12

What does a close up shot of Andy’s bible show?

Answer 12

The writing “Dear Warden, you were right. Salvation lies within.”

Question 13

What did Andy prove by using Norton’s most powerful weapon against him?

Answer 13

That it was Andy’s refusal to accept Norton’s rules and institutionalisation as his fate that allowed him to pursue the hope that saw him escape

Question 14

What does music symbolise in the film?

Answer 14

Hope, freedom and Andy’s refusal to become institutionalised

Question 15

What scene best portrays music as a powerful symbol?

Answer 15

The Marriage of Figaro scene

Question 16

How does Darabont show the effect of the music on the prisoners?

Answer 16

A range of shots of inmates around the prison stopping and listening to the music

Question 17

What does Red say in the marriage of Figaro scene? (Quote)

Answer 17

“For the briefest of moments, every man in Shawshank felt free”

Question 18

What does Andy say later that enforces music as a powerful symbol?

Answer 18

“You need it so you don’t forget, forget that there are places out there that aren’t made of stone… you need something they cant touch”

Question 19

How does the music benefit other prisoners?

Answer 19

It inspires them to dream of a bright future beyond Shawshanks corrupt prison walls and gives them hope

Question 20

How does Darabont portray prison life?

Answer 20

As a kind of hell, free from any sources of joy or happiness

Question 21

What does Rita Hayworth symbolise at the start of hm the film?

Answer 21

Reminds the inmates of the beauty of the outside world and possibly if their wives and girlfriends waiting for them

Question 22

What does Rita Hayworth symbolise at the end of the film?

Answer 22

Andy’s desire to rejoin the outside world. She reminded him of his plans and motivated him to continue, gave him a point of focus

Question 23

Who directed the Shawshank Redemption?

Answer 23

Frank Darabont