The Need for Freedom

Papillion is, upon his sentencing, immediately faced with the question of whether to file an appeal or to find a way to escape. He decides that he does not want to appeal because he will still have to serve some period of time. Papillion has decided from the very beginning that he does not want to remain in prison and that he will do anything to escape. This need to escape cannot be mistaken for a simple need for freedom, though the two are invariably tied together in Papillion's mind and in his actions. Toward this goal, Papillion spends a great deal of money and puts himself in danger repeatedly. His determination to escape is so important to him that at one point he manipulates a man into believing that they are friends so that the man will build him a raft. Papillion feels bad...