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'On the outside i was straight as an arrow. It took me going to prison to make me a crook'

Why did you pick this quote/scene?

Because it perfectly summarizes the film in terms of morals, plot and irony. The protagonist was, for the most part, a young and prominent banker who never broke a single law - judicially or morally. Only upon his wife cheating on him did he slip and get publicly drunk and carried a weapon illegally. Still, these crimes were not severe enough to warrant a prison sentence. When convicted for a crime he did not commit, it was only then that Andy DuFresne started to break the law.

Embezzlement, possession, contraband and eventual escape - Andy's crimes were varied and well thought out. Yet in the 20 years he served of his sentence, it was the law enforcers - the warden and guards - that were the real criminals. Andy committed his misdeeds to preserve the lives of not only himself, but that of Red and his other prison friends. When Andy's life was threatened by 'the sisters', it took a deal with the lead guard to save his life. When evidence came to light that Andy was guilty, the warden killed the only credible witness and continued to force Andy to carry out his 'laundry'. It was through this injustice that Andy began to seriously plot and carry out his escape.

Using the posters of film sirens through the ensuing years, an escape hole was dug through the prison walls and to freedom. The film concludes with Red and Andy on a beach in Mexico - living out Andy's dream of a 'warm place with no memory'. This is the film's overall point. If it weren't for the warden's greed and hubris, Andy might still have been in prison - still wrongfully imprisoned, but making the most of the cards he had been dealt. However, due to the warden being sadistic, greedy and narcissistic, Andy got his freedom and the warden got what he deserved. In short, and with great irony, it took prison to make Andy a criminal and subsequently, ensured justice was carried out.

Hope on the rooftop.

This clip shows how there is a power relationship between the prisoners and the guards, and Andy manages to navigate this in order to earn special privileges for the inmates.

Useful Quote Three:

Andy Dufresne: If they ever try to trace any of those accounts, they're gonna end up chasing a figment of my imagination.
Red: Well, I'll be damned. Did I say you were good? Shit, you're a Rembrandt!
Andy Dufresne: Yeah. The funny thing is - on the outside, I was an honest man, straight as an arrow. I had to come to prison to be a crook. 



The quote highlights the contrast of Andy’s actions before and after entering Shawshank prison, and how he has consequently become more corrupted in order to survive and ultimately escape. Andy shows also his intelligence and creativity in his escape plan, which Red acknowledges, comparing him to Rembrandt the famous painter.

Mozart Clip.

Useful Quote Two:

Andy writes "Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." in a letter to Red.

This quote sums up how Andy never let go of hope despite being wrongly sentenced to Shawshank and all of the trials that occured there, and as a result he is now free. He is urging to Red to take the risk also.

Short Biography

After being wrongly accused of murder, Andy DuFresne is sentenced to two life sentences in Shawshank Prison. Throughout the film, Andy makes friends and helps his fellow inmates with his talents as a banker and avid reader. Although it is not known to the audience, Andy is planning an escape from the prison which succeeds in the final scenes of the film. The final scene shows Andy and his fellow inmate and good friend, Red, meet up outside the prison walls. Red also plays a major role in the film as he encourages Andy to never give up hope and helps him accomplish many goals to make the prison better for the inamtes left behind. It can be assumed from the conclusion of the film that the two will remain good friends beyond Shawshank for many years.