Views of Human Nature in Shawshank Redemption
In class we had the opportunity to watch the film Shawshank Redemption. From a philosophical point of view, this movie is diverse in characters. Each character can represent a school of thought or view of human nature. Andy Dufresne represents the view of human nature “altruism.” Red’s character follows the view “egoism.” Then, the Sisters can be said to follow the views of “hedonism.” Each character teaches the viewer, through their actions, what each of these views of human nature are truly about. I’ll speak about each view in order of what I personally believe is the most “positive” or “correct” way of living, descending to the one I most disagree with.
Andy Dufresne portrays the view of human nature, “altruism”. Altruism is a view of human nature that is concerned for the wellness of other’s above oneself. Some consider altruism a moral duty or obligation towards their fellow man. It is also considered a virtuous and selfless. This is an attribute of many heroes, and the same can be said for Shawshank’s Andy Dufresne. Andy and a few of his fellow prison mates were tarring a roof when they overheard Captain Hadley expressing his frustration to the guards over his financial issues. Andy immediately devised a plan. He bravely walked up to the Captain, fully knowing he could be killed, and offers to help him with finances in exchange for a few beers for himself and his friends. After Andy is nearly thrown from the roof to his asphalt death, Hadley agrees to accept his help. Later, when all is said and done, Hadley maintains his side of the bargain and presents the select men with beer. They all sit in the summer sun and drink. However, when they offer Andy a bottle, he refuses, saying he doesn’t drink. The group of men are taken aback by Andy’s altruistic gesture. He had risked his own life and safety merely to bestow his friends with a gift. Therefore, Andy Dufresne portrays the selfless view of human nature, “altruism.”
Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding portrays the view of human nature, “egoism”. Egoism is a view of human nature that withholds humans are only interested in themselves and their own personal benefits. It also maintains any good deed unto others always contains and underlying selfish motive. This view of human nature can be exemplified in Red. Around Shawshank prison, Red is known for his ability to supply the prisoners, and even some guards, with things from the “outside.” He uses his connections to the outside world in order to help others with their needs, but at a cost. He refuses to work for free, and normally asks for the prison equivalent of money; cigarettes. On top of his payment of cigarettes, he also gains ranking and importance in the prison, which in turn equals safety. Prisoners tend not to cross him or treat him badly in case they are ever in need of a favour. When Andy comes to Red and asks if he can provide him with a rock hammer, Red says it will cost him extra on account of it being a “specialty” item. He also says that if he is ever caught with this rock hammer, that Andy is to pretend he does not know Red. This shows the self-interested nature of Red. He is willing to help others, but only if it also helps himself and his own safety is ensured. Therefore, Red is a portrayal of the view of human nature, “egoism.”
“The Sisters” (a small group of prisoners at Shawshank) portray the view of human nature, “hedonism.” Hedonism is a school of thought that argues pleasure being of the upmost most importance in life. A hedonist will try to do everything for their own pleasure, and minimize their own pain as much as possible, even if it means putting others in pain. This being said, it can be assumed the Sisters are hedonists. The Sisters are considered “bull queers”, which means they enjoy raping other men, and in this case, other prisoners. The Sisters constantly find new victims to torment in order to further pleasure themselves. Andy, unfortunately, was one of their victims. When the Sisters first approached him, he expressed his disinterest in what they wanted with him. Regrettably, this had the reverse affect and the Sisters only pursued him more fervently. Andy tried to fight them off on every occasion, but was normally defeated. The Sisters only gained more pleasure in his displeasure. This shows that the Sisters characterize the view of human nature, “hedonism.”
Through their actions, each character distinctly represents a view of human nature. Andy is altruistic. This is shown when he puts himself in danger in order to help his friends. Red is egoistic. He only helps others if it helps him. The Sisters are hedonistic. They gain pleasure from other’s displeasure and care most about themselves. I personally believe living altruistically is the most wholesome way a person can live. If everyone were to care more towards towards each other than themselves, then we need not even care for ourselves. Living beyond yourself is the best way to live in peace. This being said, the opposite is true if you live hedonistically. If you only care for yourself and your own pleasure, it will cause those around you to adapt accordingly, and they will care only for themselves as well. I would consider those who live egoistically to be the “middle ground.” I think most egoists want to live altruistically, but are persuaded by the hedonistic nature of some people. They are afraid to give their all to others because others may not return the favour, or even hurt them in return. Therefore, they feel the need to look out for themselves and only help others when they are sure they will be helped in return. It’s definitely understandable, but not necessarily the best way to live. I still maintain that living altruistically, even in the face of hedonists, is the best way to live. Although I’m unsure of what human’s true nature is, just as everyone else is, I do believe we can choose to overpower whatever it may be. This being said, I will leave you with this quote. Denis Diderot once said, “It is not human nature we should accuse, but the despicable conventions that pervert it.”
rachel kendra 