How Shawshank Redemption Relates to Jasper Jones
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” The concept of “not the destination but the journey” is seen in this statement. In Frank Darabont’s film: “Shawshank Redemption” this proves to be true, likewise in Craig Silvey’s novel: “Jasper Jones”. Both of these texts challenge our understandings of what is success and how by adapting to the journey, one can find new qualities within ourselves. “One’s destination is never a place”, in the film Shawshank Redemption, Darabont’s first portrayal of Andy was as a “killer” going to jail; despite pleading guilty. Even though to Andy that Shawshank was the destination, we find out that this proves to be false, as it was a journey towards redemption and acceptance. During Andy’s imprisonment, he realizes that although he didn’t kill his wife, he “was still responsible” for her death. The tone of his voice as he says this shows acknowledgement of his crime, and through this he accepts Shawshank as his punishment. “I have payed the price” symbolizes that he has sacrificed something; this reinforces the strain and exhaustion of his journey in prison, but also symbolizes that he overcame the obstacles and challenges. This is shown by him “expanding the library” despite being told the “universal truth” that it was impossible in Shawshank. Nevertheless, he succeeded with his determination and proceeded to use it to better the lives of fellow inmates. This allowed him to feel important and redeemed, as shown by cheerful background music and the absence of thick shadows over Andy’s face in the library scenes. The final example of redemption was at the climax of the movie, where Andy escapes Shawshank through the “tunnel of shit” and poses in the way of a cross, his head held high as the rain washed over him. This is symbolic to Jesus Christ; showing purification and cleansing of all sins. The rain represents freedom, the uproar of triumphant music and the camera shot from behind Andy gives us