Similarities Between 1984 And The Shawshank Redemption

As dictated by human nature, when surrounded by a restrictive and controlling environment, one may struggle to maintain their free will. Both Winston from 1984 and Andy from The Shawshank Redemption strive to take control of oppressive situations and retain the liberty of individuality. 1984 depicts a society in which totalitarian power reigns, limiting Winston's grasp of reality, whereas The Shawshank Redemption embraces the value of persistence, revealing an eternal reward for Andy's fight against the constraining atmosphere of Shawshank. Under the influence of authority and manipulating circumstances, protagonists attempt to preserve humanity by forming human relationships and connecting with tangible objects. However, the protagonists eventually

Despite his efforts to defy pressure and overthrow the ruling party, Winston submits to a higher authority. Winston wishes to test the limits of power, but in convincing himself that he is doomed to succeed, Winston takes risks and gets carried away in rebellion. As Winston sits with an open diary, the text details, "It was no longer the same cramped, awkward handwriting as before. His pen had slid voluptuously over the smooth paper, printing in large, neat capitals, 'DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER'" (13). Winston exposes himself to the internal notion of failure from the start, as he indicates foresight of his future adversities. Winston sets a predestined failure for himself, ultimately leading to his demise. As Winston fails to resist the government's manipulation, his values are stripped away, and his ideals become molded by the Party. In sacrificing his human spirit to the government, Winston loses sight of reality, failing to generate any genuine emotion. Andy, on the contrary, does not submit to a higher authority, as he is praised for leading with a positive mindset and securing his confidence. Within the harsh confines of prison, Andy manages to retain a spirit of hope, which he eventually uses to break free of the prison grounds. From the start, Andy strives to persist, as he meticulously protects his "unconquerable soul" and optimistically influences others. Andy attempts to help and encourage others by supporting convicts in adopting constructive hobbies, expanding the prison library, and playing euphoric music over prison speakers. After Andy escapes prison, he writes Red a letter, asserting that "hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies" (Darabont). Andy is detained at Shawshank but manages to maintain an uplifting demeanor, not allowing prison to change