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Institutionalisation and Freedom

The document discusses the theme of institutionalization versus freedom in 'The Shawshank Redemption,' highlighting how long-term imprisonment can lead to dependency and fear of life outside prison, as exemplified by the character Brooks. In contrast, Andy Dufresne maintains hope and resilience, demonstrating that true freedom encompasses both mental and physical aspects. The narrative ultimately illustrates the psychological struggle between accepting prison life and fighting for personal freedom, with Brooks's tragic fate symbolizing the destructive effects of institutionalization.

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48 views4 pages

Institutionalisation and Freedom

The document discusses the theme of institutionalization versus freedom in 'The Shawshank Redemption,' highlighting how long-term imprisonment can lead to dependency and fear of life outside prison, as exemplified by the character Brooks. In contrast, Andy Dufresne maintains hope and resilience, demonstrating that true freedom encompasses both mental and physical aspects. The narrative ultimately illustrates the psychological struggle between accepting prison life and fighting for personal freedom, with Brooks's tragic fate symbolizing the destructive effects of institutionalization.

Uploaded by

llejoy703
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THEME – INSTITUTIONALISATION/FREEDOM

(LETHU TAU)

Institutionalization vs Freedom

In The Shawshank Redemption, the theme of institutionalization vs. freedom explores how
long-term imprisonment can affect a person's mindset, making them dependent on the
system and afraid of life beyond it.

Institutionalization: Many prisoners, like Brooks, become so accustomed to prison life that
they struggle to function outside. After spending decades in Shawshank, Brooks f inds
freedom overwhelming and tragic, showing how prison can take away a person’s ability to
live independently.

Freedom: Andy Dufresne, on the other hand, never lets the prison system break his spirit.
He clings to hope and works toward his escape, proving that true freedom is not just
physical but also mental. His resilience contrasts with the way others, like Red, initially
struggle with life beyond bars.

The Struggle Between the Two: The story highlights the psychological battle between
accepting the restrictions of prison life and fighting for personal freedom. Red’s journey
shows this best—he starts as a man who believes in the system but, after Andy’s influence,
learns to embrace freedom and hope.

Ultimately, The Shawshank Redemption teaches that while institutionalization can crush
the human spirit, freedom—both of the mind and body is always worth fighting for.

(NATHAN MOK)

Brooks Hatlen is a significant minor character in the novel "The Shawshank Redemption" by
Stephen King. He is an elderly inmate who has been institutionalized for most of his life, having
been sentenced to life in prison for murder at the age of 16.

*Character Traits:*

- *Institutionalized:* Brooks has been in prison for so long that he has become institutionalized,
unable to imagine a life outside of the prison walls.

- *Dependent:* Brooks is dependent on the prison routine and the care of the prison authorities.
He is unable to fend for himself or make decisions on his own.

- *Resigned:* Brooks has resigned himself to his fate, believing that he will never be able to
leave the prison or start a new life.

*Examples:*

- *Brooks's struggle to adapt:* When Brooks is finally paroled and released from prison, he
struggles to adapt to life on the outside. He is overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the city
and is unable to cope with the stresses of everyday life.
- *Brooks's inability to cope:* Brooks's inability to cope with life outside of prison ultimately
leads to his downfall. He is unable to find a job, make friends, or start a new life, and he
eventually hangs himself, unable to bear the thought of living outside of prison.

*Symbolism:*

- *Brooks as a symbol of institutionalization:* Brooks's character serves as a symbol of the


effects of institutionalization on the human spirit. His inability to adapt to life outside of prison
highlights the ways in which institutionalization can strip individuals of their autonomy and
independence.

- *Brooks's death as a symbol of the destructive power of institutionalization:* Brooks's death


serves as a symbol of the destructive power of institutionalization. His inability to cope with life
outside of prison ultimately leads to his downfall, highlighting the ways in which
institutionalization can destroy an individual's sense of self and purpose.

NDA NXUMALO

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