Finding Virtue and Vice in "The Shawshank Redemption"

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"Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied, and vice sometimes by action dignified." That is a quote by Shakespeare that could truly relate to the story in Shawshank Redemption. The main character in this story is a prime example of a person who demonstrated virtue. After the murder of his wife, Andy Dufresne is sent to Shawshank Prison, where the usual unpleasantness that one would expect out of a prison occurs. Over the years, he retains hope and eventually gains the respect of his fellow inmates, especially longtime convict "Red" Redding, who runs the black market inside if Shawshank prison, and becomes influential within the prison. Eventually, Andrew achieves his end on his own terms. While all of this was going on Andy Dufresne had a secret plan. This plan was a masterpiece that runs in direct correlation with the virtue of prudence. Prudence is correct knowledge of things to be done or avoided. Prudence resides in the intellect and is natural, that is, acquired by our own acts but also supernatural, infused with sanctifying grace. As an act of virtue, prudence requires...

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