Why would we classify Andy as a tragic hero?

Andy Dufresne would be considered a tragic hero as he had a wonderful future (banker of a reputable bank) in front of him and he lost everything. He also has fine qualities: helpful (help the inmates achieve their high school equivalencies) and self-sacrificing (He risks his own neck to get beers for his friends). Furthermore, he was accused of a crime he did not commit.

What was his flaw and how it cause his fall from grace?

Like all humans, he was prone to jealousy. He caught his beautiful wife cheating on him, and naturally, would want to take revenge to ease his pricked ego.

What lessons did he learn from his mistakes?

He was too trustworthy and placed his trust on the warden, yet the latter betrayed him. He had to be crafty. He was also quiet and kept mostly to himself, however, he still got picked on.

How did he change and how did he change others?

He felt that he should learn to interact more, and accept people into life.

He came into the prison to become a crook. He taught Red to hope, to believe, to have faith.

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Jealousy –> Death threat

Rage –> Violence

Impulsiveness –> Misunderstanding

Too kind –> Taken advantaged of/unable to say no/hypocrite

Trustworthy –> don’t question other people’s motives/believe in others (eg, help some one check in luggage, bomb)

Hope is the two sides of the same coin. The more you hope, the harder you fall when disappointment comes. Hope also provides motivation and drive people to do things.