Andy guilty?

[Jerry_]

I'm guessing this has been asked lots of times before, so I apologize for the stupid question.

I haven't read Shawshank Redemption/Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption yet, so I guess the answer might be in there, but I suspect the story never tells.
But does the story ever tell if Andy is guilty of murdering his wife? And if not, have ever mr King ever answered the question in any interview or something? :)

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

Read the story!

Long days and pleasant nights

[dw1345]

No, Andy isn't guilty of murdering his wife. A guy named Elwood Blatch admits to killing his wife and her lover at another prison. It's a great story by the way, you should read it!

[Charms7]

I'm sorry I don't know the answer to your question, Jerry, but welcome to the SKMB. I hope you find your answer soon.

[jchanic]

READ THE STORY!!! You won't regret it.

John

[Bryan James]

Shame on you dw1345.

[dw1345]

Shame on you dw1345.

:oops: I guess I should have put spoiler tags, huh? I was so eager about giving him the answer I guess I forgot. Sorry bout that!

[Jerry_]

Thanks for the replies. Ofcourse I'm going to read it, even have the book, just have to find the time. :)

[karend3]

No a burglar who broke in killed the couple, Andy actually never went into the place.

[Drawn to Ka-tet]

I recommend the movie too. This is one of the best film versions of Sai King's written works.
Morgan Freeman is a wonderful Red, although abviously not an Irishman. Mr Freeman can play anyone.
Tim Robbins makes a fine 'cool drink of water' too.

Long days and pleasant nights.

[CruelPuppet]

Aw, why'd you spoil it. You could have just said "Yes, the story tells you whether or not Andy is guily."

[cwalrus]

Of course if Andy was guilty, the story would have a completely new meaning. I don't think I would like it as much as I do if Andy was guilty because he'd be cheating the consequences of his actions instead of finally achieving the freedom that was unjustly taken from him.

What might have been more interesting perhaps is if Andy was so drunk that he didn't remember whether or not he committed the murders, but I think if that was the case, he might have not have been as determined to escape from the beginning.

The one part of the story that struck me as somewhat convenient was the friend who setup the alternate identity and wealth for Andy was he escaped, but I suppose SK put that in their to make Andy more motivated to escape than the other convicts and make Andy less likely to fall victim to that "insider" mentality that Red warns us about throughout the story. It was important not just that Andy escape but that he had something to escape to rather than just living the rest of his life on the run, which would have put limits on his freedom.