In life, people take it for granted, not understanding its significance. Water means change, either eroding a previous harvest or washing away impurity to promote new growth. In drama, water serves a similar purpose, yet on a more symbolic level. The presence of water in The Shawshank Redemption symbolizes the change and rebirth of the two main characters, Andy and Red. Skillfully integrated into the movie, people subconsciously comprehend the importance of water in this film without being hit with an overt statement explaining its significance. Six specific scenes from The Shawshank Redemption illustrate the powerful employment of water as a symbolic tool. .
On the witness stand, Andy describes tossing his gun into a river, and how inconvenient it was that it was never found. The writer could have had Andy put his gun anywhere, in the woods near the lover's house or in his car, but the river symbolized a change. Since the gun washed away, Andy could not prove his innocence. Not only did his gun wash away, so did Andy's life. This short scene sets up a series of scenes in which water marks a change in Andy' life. .
Once convicted, Andy is taken to Shawshank Prison. His introduction to prison life is a cold shower from a high pressure hose. This hose washes away Andy's former life, his "outside" life. Once he reaches his cell, Andy rubs his face with water. Andy is rubbing away the person he used to be, exposing his new face. Underneath, Andy reveals his "inside" identity. Although not representing positive change, these scenes can be seen as a type of rebirth. They leave Andy, an unexpecting soul, exposed to the horrors of prison life. Like a child, Andy must learn how to live in this new system. Down a metal drain is his old life, and in its place is a child left alone to struggle in an unfamiliar, unforgiving world. .
Over nineteen years later, Andy still struggles with prison life.
