The controlling idea: learning from stories ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (online)

Event details

In the second season of talks, publisher Katie Isbester and her daughter Teddy, a film buff, will discuss the central idea of some of the greatest stories told. Each session will grapple with the big issue embedded in the story, and compare how the book and film treat this central idea. Each session will feature an expert guest and a Q&A with the audience.

Season 2, episode 1: Redemption? What redemption?

Due to the title and stark setting of The Shawshank Redemption, there is an apparent strong moral message. But if there is, it's not clear what it is. One inmate is innocent (our hero) and the other admits he killed his wife (the narrator) and kind of regrets it. Is anyone in this story actually redeemed? It doesn't seem like it. But then, what exactly is redemption?

Join our hosts and their special guest, Ravi Holy, for this riveting discussion.

Katie Isbester is the publisher of Claret Press, an independent publishing house specialising in stories that deal with politics, issues and places. Teddy 't Hooft, aged 20, is a student at university, doing an arts undergraduate degree. Ravi Holy is the vicar of Wye in Kent by day and a stand-up comedian by night. As a recovering addict and the facilitator of a therapeutic programme for survivors of childhood trauma, he knows all about redemption.