Freedom

Freedom is an important theme in the film. The film examines both physical and mental/spiritual freedom. The inmates are kept in physical captivity and this takes away their physical freedom. Most of the inmates forfeit their mental/spiritual freedom as a result of this physical captivity. Andy is different from the other inmates in that despite being kept in captivity he remains mentally free. What incidents in the film show us that Andy is free? 1.

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How does Andy keep his hope while in the prison? Is this hope part of Andy’s freedom?

Towards the end of the film Red is let out of prison on parole. Even out of prison Red doesn’t feel free. Why is this? When does Red begin to really feel free?

What do you think the film is saying about freedom?