Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

Summary

«Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption» is a novella by Stephen King, first published in 1982 in the collection «Different Seasons». The story follows Andy Dufresne, a successful banker who is convicted of murdering his wife and her lover, although he has always maintained his innocence. Andy is sentenced to life imprisonment at Shawshank Prison, where he meets Ellis Redding, a fellow inmate serving a life sentence, who becomes his friend. Over the years, Andy uses his banking knowledge to help the prison administration launder money, making himself valuable and easing his conditions. Meanwhile, he secretly works on his escape plan, which he eventually executes, leaving behind only questions and a shattered life for the prison warden. The narrative focuses on themes of hope, freedom, and the human desire to maintain dignity in the most desperate circumstances.