Stephen King's 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption' Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms and literary devices from Stephen King's 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption'.

Parole

The release of a prisoner before completing their sentence, under supervision.

Life sentence

Imprisonment for the rest of a person's natural life.

Institutionalized

When a person becomes so used to life in prison that they can't adapt outside.

Warden

The person in charge of a prison.

Trustee

A prisoner given special privileges or responsibilities.

The hole

Solitary confinement.

Fresh fish

Slang for a new prisoner.

Shiv

An improvised knife or weapon made in prison.

Corruption

Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by people in power.

Redemption

The act of being saved or forgiven; making up for past wrongs.

Integrity

Honesty and strong moral principles.

Persistence

Continuing firmly in a course of action despite obstacles.

Monotony

Sameness, dull routine.

Motif

Recurring symbol, image, or idea.

Symbolism

When an object, person, or event represents a larger idea.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.