To have a direction in life and a purpose is that which is necessary to live. Without a direction, one can't really function-- in a sense, it's tantamount to being dead.
This was the difference between Red and Brooks of Shawshank Redemption. They did share a few similar traits: both were quite afraid of the "real" world and were also institutionalized by the prison (physically, they were free, but mentally, they were not). What set them apart was what happened during the two's stay at the half-way house. Brooks ended up committing suicide, while Red carved his name upon the ceiling and bought a compass to help him with the finding the treasure Andy left for him to find.
Red had something to live for. He had a direction (the compass) in life; a purpose. Brooks on the other hand had lost hope and was unable to live for he was unable to adjust to the truth of reality. Therefore, he ended up dead.
In a way, I identify myself with Brooks. Currently, I feel as if I've lost my way on this path of life. The freedom to decide is something I still can't adjust to, being so used to a lifestyle where I am somewhat like a robot following my parents' commands and such. Then, all of a sudden, I am pushed into college life, where my parents retreat and I am given full reign of everything-- mainly what to major in. Two years later, I am still as lost as I was in the beginning. Currently, I have a declared major, but I am unsure whether I really want a career path in that direction, as I am still contemplating the USMC.
Without input from the parents, I have ensnared myself into this cycle of self-doubt and uncertainty. I am drawn to so many other options, but without a proper direction, I am unable to proceed. Or in other words, I am unable to live.
I go on with each day without an aim, or a goal to work toward. Existing without existing. Living without living.
Then again... this is just a choice that I have made. I have the power to choose to break free from cycle, to have the drive and determination to find myself and realize what direction I truly want to walk in. I can choose to live.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I’ve never seen this movie, but you made it easier to understand its main ideas by cutting straight to the point. I like that you go straight to the point of describing how important having direction is in life through the characters and that you discussed the mental prisons of the characters. This is something that everyone in life with struggles with, which makes it very relatable. Thinking about this in my own perspective led me down many different paths of thought, but I primarily focused on direction generally for people. It makes me think, does our need for direction in life, lead us to put ourselves in mental prison? I think a lot of us at this time in our lives are looking for direction, but I think that this search plays a key role in life. Once we leave the social structure and control of our parents, we start a new life, needing a new direction. I would not look at it as a way unable to live, but look at finding a new direction as a way of motivation at this time in life. I believe its just part of our own obstacles in life, which would be a great topic to write about, good movie choice, very relatable.
ReplyDelete