Shawshank Redemption ProjectINTRODUCTIONThroughout history, man has relied on stories to convey the shared knowledge of his culture and morals. In today's society, films fill this niche and often provide a mirror to the deeper workings and ethics that influence our modern culture (Rosenstand, 2013). The 1994 film, The Shawshank Redemption, depicts the inner workings of a prison society in the mid-20th century by following the chronicles of Andy Dufresne's incarceration. As the story of Shawshank State Penitentiary, Maine, unfolds, several ethical questions become prominent, providing a platform from which we can evaluate the ethical principles of power and leadership, as well as the justice/injustice and consequences that weave common threads between many of the major characters in this film.SYNOPSISDespite his claims of innocence, Andy Defresne's story begins with his trial and conviction for the murder of his wife and of her lover. He was sentenced to consecutive life in Shawshank Prison. Initially, Andy is not liked by the other inmates due to his introverted behavior. Over time, Andy manages to form a friendship with "Red" Redding and his gang and begins to find his place within prison society. Andy also uses his financial skills and becomes popular with the prison guards, even convincing the vicious head warden, Captain Hadley. Hadley, realizing Andy's value, grants him protection in exchange for his financial advice. The manager also realizes Andy's value and begins to use his banking skills by trading his financial skills for privileges. Despite all the corruption within the prison, Andy manages to maintain his dignity and humanity by using his intelligence and confidence. Andy teaches in middle of paper...... his perseverance when trying to raise funds for the prison library demonstrates his belief in the hope of humanity. Andy uses his power to bring about positive ethical change throughout the prison. This demonstrates once again how a leader's ethical positions have relational consequences on the actions of his or her followers. CONCLUSION The hierarchy of ethics that operates within the subculture of Shawshank Prison is on full display and demonstrates to the viewer the concepts of power, justice, and redemption. This film shows how difficult it can be to function with ethics and morals intact while living in a corrupt world. Ultimately, Andy teaches us that while we do what we need to do to survive, the choice of how we respond is ultimately up to each of us. “Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Perhaps the best thing ever. And no good thing ever dies.”