Ropes of Oppression: Escaping the Noose Olivia Roberts 12th Grade

The human conscience is an interesting specimen. From it spurs imagination, curiosity, and all other elements that make us human. The influences of the outside world impact the way one might deem an action. They can even sway us to steer away from the direction in which our moral compass is pointing us. The ropes of oppression can strangle the soul out of anyone, but through the means of human connections, sense of self, and a glance at freedom, Lucas Jackson of Cool Hand Luke and Andy Dufresne of The Shawshank Redemption overcome the brokenness they are made to feel by their situations. They escape the noose before it has the chance to take over and dictate their lives in their entireties.

Lucas Jackson of Cool Hand Luke is not the stereotypical prison type. Arrested for taking the heads off parking meters with a crowbar while intoxicated, he stands out from the rest of the criminals in the Florida road prison. He quickly earns the respect of the prisoners, not by being fierce or macho, but rather by being his charming, quirky self. Dragline, resident leader of the prison crowd, takes an interest in Luke from the very beginning. His quick mouth and silent resignation earn him attention from Dragline and the rest of the gang,...