In Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, warden, Sam Norton, refuses to help Andy Dufresne prove his innocence. How does this break Andy's spirit? How important is hope to a man in prison? If Andy has already been tunneling through the wall, why does this affect him so strongly?

Discuss freedom and the idea of being institutionalized. How does this affect both Red Smith and Andy Dufresne? Are they able to overcome it? Why or why not? Can the desire for freedom ever be totally taken away? Why or why not?

Sam Norton is a religious man, yet he is not above obtaining money illegally through several ventures. How might he reconcile this with his religious beliefs? Why does he get angry when Andy Dufresne promises not to tell about the money? Why does he not allow Andy to defend himself using Tommy Williams'...