People in prison face many emotional challenges. They are likely to become institutionalized, and unable to function in society outside of the prison. Not all people in prison are even guilty of their crimes. They have been denied a fair trial, and are wrongfully convicted. This causes them much emotional distress. One way that they can get over this distress, as well as get through the time they have to serve in prison, is through a strong friendship which provides companionship and protection. Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption and Rubin Carter from The Hurricane both react to Institutionalism, wrongful conviction, and friendship very similarly.
Rubin Carter from the movie The Hurricane and Andy Dufresne from the movie The Shawshank Redemption treat the subject of Institutionalism in the same manner. Institutionalism is something that happens to people in prison. They grow so accustomed to prison life that they are unable to function in the outside world. It happens when a prisoner gives up hope of leaving the prison. Red from The Shawshank Redemption describes it best when he says, " [The Prison] walls are funny. First, you hate 'em. Then you get used to 'em. …
