Shawshank Redemption (Setting and Social Class)

What is the setting of this movie?

A prison in the state of Maine USA

What social structure do the prisoners follow? Explain social structure in prison

Social structure within prison. Violence and education are used to climb the ranks. Social class on the outside is irrelevant in Shawshank.

Red’s initial view of Andy

Red didn’t think much of Anfy originally, however his expensive clothes are noticed.

The guards

Guards are at the top of the hierarchy. Even the most violent like Bogs know they have to bend to the will of the guards.

Social mobility (Shawshank)

Unlike outer society, where social class is hugely dependent on how much money you were born into and how much money you have. Social class in Shawshank prison is dependent on how violent you are and your education, allowing for the social order to be flexible no matter how much money people had outside of prison.

Officer Dekin’s

Brooks is shocked an inmate is treated with respect when Andy jokes with Dekins’. It is recognised that a better education can increase chances of success. Dekins’ and Andy both know his sons will never be offered a place in an Ivy League university as Dekins’ working-class background as an officer will limit them. This contrasts the social order in Shawshank prison

Tommy and Education

Tommy realises the value of education as he comes to Andy for help. However we are reminded that the guards and Norton are at the top of the social matter, no matter the education or violent capabilities

Andy’s escape

Andy’s education and background allows him to withdraw the money as if he were the true account holder due to his polished demeanour.

Contrast: Social Mobility

Education offers social mobility in both Shawshank and regular society. The social mobility in Shawshank is not shown to be the same in the other two texts, as Furlong’s illegitimacy still bothers him despite being successful highlighting that he may still be judged for it while in Sive that opportunity is taken away from her while Tommy is provided we the opportunity, yet both aren’t able to use it

Power Compare

In STLT, Sive and TSR, those with money and authority hold arguably too much power of those lower on the ladder