Also, Norton is threatened. If Andy were free, his information and corruption could be exposed, like they are eventually. He's vulnerable, his whole corrupt schemes, his survival as he knows it are on the line.

Another note on Shawshank, when Red finally gets out I thought it was interesting - he was scared - scared not of incarceration, but of freedom. I didn't pick up on this in the script so much, but it was strong in the film.

Judy and I were discussing this the other day too - breaking the law - Did Andy break the law by escaping or did he rectify the laws? Morally he was in the right. He not only set the counter to right on a personal level, but also with Norton and Hadley. Justice was served.

When Andy emerged from the sewer and was washed clean in the rain -it was almost Biblical. A truly victorious scene.

Thanks again Scott!

Julie :)

Hey -- found you! RE: Andy's comment. I've always found it the one moment in Andy's prison stay where he loses control, miscalculates, forgets his plan. Even while he is sitting in this office, hoping beyond hope that Norton will be reasonable, he is returning to his cell every day and digging just a little farther toward freedom. What this outburst costs him... But it is a true moment for him. His unguarded, true emotion. Something he hasn't let himself do much of since walking through those gates as a fish. bc

Julie, of course, you're right, and so there is that aspect which contributes to Norton's fear.

Re emerging from the sewer and being washed clean in the rain: Certainly a biblical feel to it, especially with Andy raising his outstretched arms to the 'heavens.'

bc, good point as well. That scene with Norton does present Andy at his most 'unhinged,' even the use of the word "obtuse" seemingly out of character for him. But I think that underscores the almost irrational hope-against-hope that somehow the truth will help set him free, he wants to believe that. Contrast his energy here with the last scene with he and Red, one of the most interesting scenes in the movie where Red thinks Andy has lost his marbles, but in fact, Andy is completely now -- he's going to escape.

Good analysis, you two!