Stephen King's novelette "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" is portrayed through the eyes of Red. Ellis Boyd Redding holds a key role in the prisons social structure, which makes him the perfect narrator. By the end of the story Red was heavily influenced by a character named Andy Dufresne, a man who changed his views of life.
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The story itself is actually Red's journal. Much of the information is second hand; thing Red heard from other people and decided was true, this factor is acknowledged during the story. We must also note that Red's views and opinions at the time might have also affected some aspects of the story.
After so many years Red lost complete hope in freedom. This mentality was eventually changed by Andy. Red was first approached by Andy due to his black market business. He was a man that could get it all, for a price that is. Twenty percent was his usual rate, and he didn"t deal dangerous objects due to complications. .
Red's business relationship with Andy eventually grew into friendship. He views Andy as a man without a care in the world, like a free man walking in a park. Andy's aura of hope seemed to greatly affect Red, which ended up saving his life. Andy escaping Shawshank was something Red will never forget, it made him feel as if freedom was possible. When Red finally got paroled the story ends with him finding his way to Mexico.
Red was an important man in Shawshank. The real world scared him because he knew he was nothing out here, but a man was able to show him there will always be hope in any situation. Red's role as the storyteller and his views of the world and life are essential parts of the novella. "There's no harm in hoping for the best as long as you're prepared for the worst".