essay questions dead poets society

Dead Poets Society Questions

Bring on the tough stuff. there’s not just one right answer..

• How does setting the film in 1959 affect the story? Would it be different if it took place today?
• How does the way Mr. Keating is introduced to the viewer foreshadow his experience at Welton?
• Who is the protagonist? Can there be more than one? If so, who are they?
• Do most of the adult characters have similar goals for the students? In what ways do they express them differently?
• How is the theme of "tradition" enforced in the way the students live their lives? Do they ever break free?
• How does Mr. Keating encourage his students to live out his values? Do his actions ever contradict the values he teaches? Do his actions ever enforce them?
• How does family play a part in the lives of the students? How do Todd and Neil's family experiences differ, and how are they similar?
• Would the film have the same impact if it had a different ending? Why or why not?
• How does the setting of the film help set the mood? Would it be different if it were set in sunny California? Why or why not?

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W hy's T his F unny?

Dead Poets Society

53 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Chapters 6-10

Chapters 11-15

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Summary and Study Guide

Introduction

N. H. Kleinbaum’s Dead Poets Society is a 1989 novel based on the motion picture written by Tom Schulman. The novel was released as a companion piece to the wildly popular film—also titled Dead Poets Society and released in 1989— which starred famous actors such as Robin Williams as Mr. Keating, and Ethan Hawke as Todd Anderson . The film scored high with critics, winning the Oscar in 1990 for Best Original Screenplay and receiving nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Williams), and Best Director (Peter Weir).

The novel, like the film, follows a group of boys at an isolated preparatory school in Vermont, where excellence and uniformity are not just expected but commanded of them. Their worlds are changed when the new English teacher, Mr. Keating, arrives, bringing with him his unconventional methods of instruction. He teaches the boys to seize the day and make their lives extraordinary.

This guide is based on the original 1989 Hyperion copy of the novel, published for Touchstone Pictures.

Content Warning: This book contains references to death by suicide and sexual assault, and uses outdated and culturally appropriative terminology that is reproduced only in direct quotes. 

Plot Summary

Tucked away in the hills of Vermont is a preparatory school designed to produce some of America’s best and brightest young male students: Welton Academy . The novel begins at the start of the fall term, when newcomer Todd Anderson is being inducted into the school. Todd is shy and fearful, always walking unnoticed in the shadow of his older brother, a legacy student at Welton. Other characters introduced in the convocation ceremony are future lawyer Knox Overstreet and future banker Charlie Dalton , both of whom are following in their fathers’ respective footsteps. Neil Perry , whose family is less wealthy than the others at Welton, is also present with his father, who is ever hard to please. Finally, the headmaster introduces the students and their parents to Welton’s newest addition to their staff: Mr. John Keating , the new English teacher.

Todd is set to room with Neil, a popular boy who is involved with several extracurriculars, including the school paper. While Todd is settling in, a number of Neil’s friends drop by and introduce themselves. Amidst the excitement, Neil’s father, Mr. Perry , enters and asks to speak with Neil. He tells him that he worries Neil is overloaded with extracurriculars and demands that he resign from the school paper. Neil begins to argue back, since he is the editor, but his father won’t hear any more of it, and Neil concedes. Neil’s friends tease him for being a pushover, but he reminds them that they all act the same way with their own fathers.

Welton (nicknamed “Hellton” by the students) proves to be even more challenging than Todd expected, and he finds himself struggling to keep up with the high expectations the school sets for its students. The teachers in Latin, trig, and other subjects begin the semester with mountains of homework assignments. It isn’t until the boys find themselves in Mr. Keating’s class that they feel they can breathe for a moment.

Mr. Keating, a young man in his thirties, sits in the classroom, staring out the window. Finally, he introduces himself and asks to either be addressed as Mr. Keating, or “O Captain! My Captain!”, in reference to the Walt Whitman poem. Then, he gets up and leads the boys to a hallway that is lined with photographs of students from the past several decades. He asks them to lean in closer and see that they aren’t much different from the students at Welton today. He asks them to consider how many of them actually followed their dreams and how many followed the path life seemed to have carved out for them. He encourages the boys to remember a particular Latin phrase: “carpe diem,” which translates to “seize the day.”

That night, Knox has to decline the boys’ offer to have a group study session. He has been instructed to have dinner with the Danburrys, his father’s friends. Knox initially dreads the appointment, but his attitude changes when he is greeted at the door by a beautiful girl named Chris. Knox is immediately enraptured with the pretty cheerleader but is crushed to discover that she is dating Chet Danburry, the son of his father’s friends. He returns to the boys that night with the tragic news: He’s met the most beautiful girl, but she’s taken.

The following morning, Mr. Keating’s class again proves to be unconventional. Mr. Keating asks his students to read the introduction to their assigned poetry book aloud. The introduction, authored by Dr. J. Evan Pritchard, claims that poetry can be ranked in a type of mathematical scale, one that accounts for a poem’s technical skill and its importance to the world at large. After deducting these two figures, one will arrive at a measurement of a poem’s greatness. Mr. Keating, after demonstrating this graph, turns to the class and declares the entire formula to be absurd. This is no such way to measure a poem’s greatness, as if a thing could be measured at all.

He commands his students to rip out the entire introduction and throw it away. They will be studying poetry differently in this class, and have no need for Dr. J. Evan Pritchard. The boys are hesitant at first, unsure of why they could be asked to destroy the book. Eventually, one by one, they rip the pages gleefully. They lean on the edge of their seats as Mr. Keating talks about the beauty and romance of poetry—both of which are essential to their understanding as members of the human race.

In the dining hall later that day, Mr. Keating is joined at his table by McAllister, the Scottish Latin teacher. McAllister inquires about the odd scene he happened to witness earlier that morning: He had seen the students ripping out the introduction to the book. He warns Mr. Keating against encouraging the boys to be artists. Mr. Keating replies that he isn’t trying to create artists but free thinkers. McAllister scoffs slightly at the idea but overall is charmed by Keating’s enthusiasm and lets the topic rest.

Meanwhile, Neil has found something of interest at his own lunch table. He shows the boys a school annual from the year Mr. Keating graduated. Under his picture, he is listed as the founder of the Dead Poets Society. After lunch, they follow Mr. Keating outside and ask him what the Dead Poets Society was. Mr. Keating tells them it was a group of boys who met in an old cave near the school grounds and took turns reading poetry aloud.

When they return to their dorms, Neil finds an old book of poems on his desk, presumably left there by Mr. Keating, with an inscription next to a Henry David Thoreau quote, saying that this was to be read at the first meeting of the Dead Poets Society. Neil gathers a group of boys and gets them to agree to meet in the cave that night and bring back the Dead Poets Society. The group consists of Knox, Charlie, and three other boys: Cameron (albeit unwillingly at first, for he is afraid to break the rules), Pitts, and Meeks.

Finally, Neil asks Todd to join. Todd tells Neil he can’t because he’s too afraid to speak in front of the others, and the whole point of the Society is for them to take turns reading aloud to each other. Neil leaves to ask the others if Todd can listen instead and still be involved. His request is granted, and Todd is in the club. They plan to leave that night and sneak out for the cave.

As the Dead Poets Society continues to meet, reading poems and confessing secrets, and Mr. Keating continues to teach against the dangers of conformity, the boys slowly begin to find their own voices. They grow brave in their pursuit of what they want: Neil discovers his passion for acting, auditioning for and landing the role of Puck in the local production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream , and Knox grows more courageous in his attempts to woo Chris. Todd, who the whole time has feared public speaking more than anything, is pulled in front of Mr. Keating’s class to create a poem on the spot, and his words leave his classmates speechless. The friendship between the boys grows, and they discover they have dreams, ideas, and words to share with the world beyond what they’ve been conditioned to contribute by their fathers and the professors at Welton.

Eventually, Mr. Perry discovers that Neil is in the play and that he faked a permission slip from himself and Headmaster Nolan to participate. He tells his son that he must drop the show immediately. Neil visits Mr. Keating to tell him of his problem. He confides in his teacher that he feels trapped by his father’s expectations and isn’t sure how to move forward. Mr. Keating encourages Neil to tell Mr. Perry what he just told Mr. Keating: that his passion for acting is more than a hobby and he wants to pursue it. Neil agrees to think on it. When Mr. Keating asks him later if he followed up with his father, Neil lies and says that Mr. Perry was angry but agreed to let him remain in the production.

Meanwhile, Knox rides his bike to Chris’s school and delivers a love poem to her in front of her entire class. She shows up the night of Neil’s play at Welton to warn Knox that her boyfriend is furious and that he needs to stay away from her for his own safety. As it happens, Chris is on her way to the play as well, alone, and Knox convinces her to come with him. He promises one night to spend time together, and if she still doesn’t want to see him again, he will leave her alone for good. She agrees, and the two of them sit together in the auditorium.

Neil performs beautifully, and all of his friends are in the audience to cheer for him. An unexpected audience member arrives toward the end of the show: Mr. Perry. Neil sees him in the crowd but continues his final speech. Afterward, Mr. Perry takes Neil home, leaving the boys and Mr. Keating confused and worried for Neil.

At home, Mr. Perry informs Neil that he will be withdrawn from Welton and shipped off to military school for the remainder of his high school years. From there he will go to pre-med and medical school, a total of 10 years of his life that will be spent studying something Neil doesn’t want to do. Mr. Perry reminds Neil that he has no say in the matter and that he and his mother are counting on Neil to be successful and wealthy. Without another word, the family goes to bed.

That night, feeling like there is no way out of his situation, Neil sneaks down the stairs into his father’s study, where a pistol is locked in the desk drawer. He puts on the crown he wore as Puck, points the gun at himself, and fires. His parents awaken to the noise and rush down the stairs to find their son, dead on the floor of the study.

Back at Welton, the boys wake Todd up from his sleep to deliver the news. Todd wretches from grief, and the boys cling to each other as they mourn their friend. Todd blames Mr. Perry, saying Neil would never have done it if Mr. Perry hadn’t pressured him as much. Neil’s death launches a school-wide investigation, with the blame ultimately falling on Mr. Keating and the Dead Poets Society. Schools close because of situations like this, and Headmaster Nolan needs a scapegoat. The easiest target is the teacher who has been giving the boys the courage to find their own voice .

Cameron, a rule-follower at heart, is the first to confess. Charlie, disgusted and angered by Cameron’s betrayal, punches him square in the face. Cameron looks around at his friends and tells them that if they don’t confess, they risk expulsion. Mr. Keating will be fired either way, but they can still save themselves. One by one, the Dead Poets are called in to talk about their experience in Mr. Keating’s class and what happened in the cave. Only Charlie refuses to speak, and is expelled immediately. Finally, Todd is called into Mr. Nolan’s office. There, his parents are waiting for him, and there is a contract detailing what happened that has been signed by the Dead Poets (with the exception of Charlie). Todd begs his parents not to make him sign, but eventually he is forced to comply.

The next day, Headmaster Nolan takes over for Mr. Keating in poetry class. He decides that it would be best to start over, so he tells the boys to read aloud from the introduction. They tell him that the pages have all been ripped out. Frustrated, Headmaster Nolan plops his own copy of the book before one of the students and forces him to read. At that time, Mr. Keating appears to gather his belongings. Headmaster Nolan tells him to go ahead. The room is morose as they watch their beloved teacher pack up his materials.

As Mr. Keating is walking out of the room, Todd stands up and shouts for him to wait. He tells him that they were all forced to sign the papers and they know it wasn’t his fault that Neil died. Headmaster Nolan commands Todd to sit back down. However, in a moment of final defiance, Todd instead stands on his desk and faces Mr. Keating. Knox joins, and Pitts, and Meeks. Eventually, nearly half of the class (even those who weren’t in the Dead Poets Society) all stand on their desks as a salute to Mr. Keating: an alliance with the man who changed their lives. Mr. Keating smiles back at them and thanks them. Though they may never cross paths again, none of them will forget the man who allowed them to, for once in their life, think for themselves.

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Dead Poets Society

N. h. kleinbaum.

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

The novel is set in 1959 at the prestigious Welton Academy, a Vermont boarding school. As the school year begins, we meet Todd Anderson , a shy new student who’s transferred from another school, as well as Neil Perry , Richard Cameron , and Charlie Dalton —all junior-year students. Neil Perry is a likable, kind student, and is Todd’s roommate; Neil is terrified of his own father, Mr. Perry , who insists that Neil must study chemistry, go to Harvard, and become a doctor. Richard Cameron is an uptight, conforming student who hates breaking rules; Charlie Dalton, on the other hand, is an easygoing, rebellious student who loves breaking rules.

Another Welton student and friend of Neil’s, Knox Overstreet , goes to have dinner with some family friends, the Danburrys. During dinner, he meets Chris Noel , the beautiful girlfriend of Chet Danburry , the Danburrys’ son. Knox is instantly smitten, but doesn’t know what to do about his love.

Classes begin at Welton. Most of the teachers are extremely rigorous and controlling. However, there’s a new English teacher at school, John Keating , who is different. Keating immediately impresses his students with his charismatic, energetic lectures—in the first of which he stands on his desk . While other teachers force students to do homework and obey them at all times, Keating begins the year by talking about “Carpe Diem,” the idea that humans should “seize the day”—i.e., make the most of life while they’re alive. This year, Keating promises, he wants to teach his students how to be extraordinary instead of simply following the rules. Keating’s unusual teaching methods draw some attention from his colleagues, but because he’s an intelligent, likable man, he stays in the good graces of the Welton headmaster, Gale Nolan .

Neil tries to engage with Todd and become his friend, but Todd is too shy and reserved. Things begin to change when Neil comes across an old yearbook in which he learns that John Keating was once a student at Welton; during that time, Keating was a member of a club called the Dead Poets Society. When Neil and his friends ask Keating about the Dead Poets, Keating explains that the Dead Poets met in a cave near Welton, read poetry, and celebrated life. Later, Neil finds that someone, presumably Keating, has put an old poetry anthology marked “Dead Poets” in his room. Neil convinces his friends, including Knox, Cameron, Charlie, and Todd, to go to the cave, and together they read from the poetry anthology, gradually becoming transfixed by the poems’ beauty.

In class, Keating asks his students to compose poems. Todd is at first unable to write anything that he feels comfortable reading in from of the other students, but with Keating’s encouragement, he improvises a brilliant poem about Keating’s hero, Walt Whitman. Afterwards, Todd begins to open up, both with his classmates and with Keating. He admits to Neil that he feels that his parents don’t love him—they’re incredibly hard on him, and clearly prefer his older sibling. Neil is sympathetic to Todd’s problems, since they echo his own. Keating’s lessons also inspire Neil to try out for a local production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream –to his delight, he gets the lead part of Puck.

The students’ attempts to “seize the day,” inspired by Keating, become increasingly reckless and foolish. Charlie Dalton pens an article in the school paper in which he claims that women should be admitted to Welton, and signs it “The Dead Poets.” To protect his classmates, Charlie comes forward and admits he wrote the article—he’s given corporal punishment by Nolan, but doesn’t tell Nolan anything about the Dead Poets Society. Meanwhile, Knox is invited to a party with Chris and Chet—at the party, he gets very drunk and, telling himself that he’s just “seizing the day,” he touches Chris’s breasts, infuriating Chet. In response to his students’ wild actions, and the suspicion he’s been getting from Nolan, Keating tries to teach his students how to be realistic, “survive” college, and bluff their ways through essays about horrible books that aren’t worth reading.

Mr. Perry finds out that Neil is going to be in A Midsummer Night’s Dream , and furiously forbids him from performing in the play. Neil, unsure what to do, goes to Keating for advice. Keating advises Neil to talk to his father and show him how passionate he is about acting. Neil can’t bring himself to talk to his father, but tells Keating that Mr. Perry gave him permission to perform after all.

Knox goes to Chris’s school and reads her a poem he wrote for her, in which he professes his love. Later, Chris visits Knox at Welton and warns him that Chet is going to kill him for what he’s done. Knox begs Chris to go see A Midsummer Night’s Dream with him—if she doesn’t have a good time, he’ll never try to see her again. Reluctantly, Chris agrees.

Chris, Knox, Keating, and the other Dead Poets go to see Neil in A Midsummer Night’s Dream . Neil is spectacular as Puck, to everyone’s delight, especially Todd. Chris begins to develop feelings for Knox during the performance—and later that night, she kisses Knox. After the show, however, Mr. Perry appears to confront Neil. He brings Neil home and tells him that he’ll be going to a rigorous military academy from now on—clearly, Welton is distracting him from his “goals” of being a doctor. Neil is so upset by this news that, late at night, he shoots himself with his father’s revolver.

In the aftermath of Neil’s suicide, there’s an investigation, at Mr. Perry’s request, into the matter. Cameron betrays the Dead Poets by going to Nolan and telling him about the Dead Poets Society. Nolan uses Cameron’s information to cast Keating as a scapegoat—by blaming Keating for “corrupting” Neil with talk of freedom and individuality, Nolan hopes to avoid a full-scale scandal with Welton’s wealthy alumni donors.

One by one, the students are brought into Nolan’s office and forced to sign a document stating that Keating corrupted them with his free-thinking lessons, and thereby compelled Neil to commit suicide. While most of the Dead Poets sign the document, Todd refuses to do so—and Nolan places him under strict probation for refusing to go along. In spite of Todd’s loyalty, Keating is fired from Welton and essentially barred from ever teaching again.

In the final chapter, the students file into English class, now being taught by the dull Headmaster Nolan himself. In the middle of the lesson, Keating walks in to pick up his personal items. While Keating gathers his things, Todd runs up to him, explaining that Nolan forced the students to sign the document that’s gotten Keating fired. Keating smiles and nods, showing that he understands. Todd stands on his desk, just as Keating did during his first lesson at Welton. Slowly, and despite Nolan’s cries to stop, the other students join Todd in an inspiring show of solidarity with Keating.

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Dead Poets Society Short Essay - Answer Key

1. How does the convocation proceed in Chapter 1?

During the convocation, parents and boys sit in the stone chapel at Welton Academy. Bagpipes play while a short elderly man lights a candle and leads students carrying banners, robed teachers, and alumnae into the chapel. Four boys carry banners that have the words "Tradition," "Honor," "Discipline," and "Excellence." The Headmaster speaks about the light of knowledge as the youngest to oldest boys light candles. Then older boys explain what the words on the banners mean. Dean Nolan gives a speech, and introduces the oldest living graduate of the Academy. The convocation ends and everyone files out of the chapel.

2. How do various parents say good-bye to their sons?

The various parents have different ways of saying good-bye to their sons. Charlie Dalton's mother brushes the hair out of his eyes and hugs him. Knox Overstreet's father given him an affectionate squeeze as they walk around the campus looking at landmarks. Neil Perry's father stands stiffly and adjusts the achievement pins on his son's jacket. Todd Anderson's parents chat with another couple and ignore him. One father tells his son he will love it at the Academy as he leaves. Another parent tells his son not to be a baby.

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Essays on Dead Poets Society

The Dead Poets Society is a timeless film that explores the power of literature and poetry to inspire and provoke change. Writing an essay on this film is important because it allows you to delve deeper into its themes, characters, and impact on the audience.

When writing an essay on Dead Poets Society, it is important to first familiarize yourself with the film. Watch it multiple times, taking note of key scenes, character development, and the overall message of the story. This will help you form a solid foundation for your essay.

Next, consider the themes of the film. Dead Poets Society touches on themes such as individuality, the power of literature, and the conflict between tradition and personal expression. These themes can be used as the basis for your analysis and argument in your essay.

In addition, it is crucial to analyze the characters in the film and their development throughout the story. How do the characters’ actions and decisions drive the plot forward? How do they contribute to the overall message of the film?

When writing your essay, it is important to support your arguments with evidence from the film. Use quotes and specific scenes to back up your points and provide a deeper understanding of the film.

Finally, make sure to proofread and edit your essay before submitting it. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and ensure that your argument is clear and well-supported.

In conclusion, writing an essay on Dead Poets Society is important because it allows you to explore the film's themes, characters, and impact. By familiarizing yourself with the film, analyzing its themes and characters, and supporting your arguments with evidence, you can create a compelling and insightful essay.

What Makes a Good Dead Poets Society Essay Topics

When it comes to writing an essay on Dead Poets Society, choosing the right topic is crucial. A good essay topic should be thought-provoking, relevant, and engaging. To brainstorm and choose an essay topic, consider the themes, characters, and plot of the movie. Think about what aspects of the film resonate with you and what you are passionate about. Consider the historical context and social issues the film addresses. A good essay topic should also be specific and focused, allowing you to explore it in depth.

Best Dead Poets Society Essay Topics

• The role of non-conformity in Dead Poets Society
• The impact of Mr. Keating's teaching methods on the students
• The theme of carpe diem in the film
• The portrayal of individualism vs. tradition in Dead Poets Society
• The significance of poetry in the movie
• The character development of Neil Perry
• The influence of the setting on the characters' actions
• The role of societal expectations in the film
• The symbolism of the cave in Dead Poets Society
• The theme of friendship and loyalty in the movie
• The impact of the boys' secret society on their lives
• The conflict between personal passion and parental expectations
• The use of cinematography to convey the film's message
• The significance of the title "Dead Poets Society"
• The portrayal of adolescence and coming-of-age in the movie
• The relationship between Mr. Keating and the students
• The theme of rebellion and its consequences
• The significance of the final scene in Dead Poets Society
• The impact of Neil's death on the other characters
• The representation of free thinking and self-expression in the film

Dead Poets Society Essay Topics Prompts

• Imagine you are one of the students at Welton Academy. Write a journal entry reflecting on the influence of Mr. Keating's teachings on your life.
• Create a character analysis of Neil Perry, exploring his motivations, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the role of conformity in society, using examples from Dead Poets Society to support your argument.
• If you could change the ending of the film, how would you rewrite it? Explain your reasoning and the impact of your alternative ending on the film's message.
• Imagine you are a film critic reviewing Dead Poets Society. Write a critical analysis of the movie, discussing its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact.

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Dead Poets Society

By peter weir, dead poets society themes.

The first and arguably most important of the four Welton pillars, Welton prides itself on its adherence to tradition. This is evident in the first scene in the film, when the older man in the procession passes the flame of his candle to the young boy in the first row, who passes his flame onto the boy beside him, and so on. Welton’s emphasis on tradition comes into conflict with Mr. Keating ’s unconventional lessons and teaching methods, which by their unorthodox nature are inherently opposed to Welton’s traditional values. This conflict reaches a peak when Neil’s dreams of pursuing a less traditional career path, stoked by Keating’s influence, are shattered.

Another of the Welton pillars, the threat of discipline is present in every aspect of the boys’ lives. Punishment for being out of your bedroom after hours or even speaking during study time looms above their heads, and venturing beyond the school’s campus to meet in secret is a violation of school rules and is subject to significant punishment, possibly even expulsion. That the boys choose to form the Dead Poets’ Society anyway speaks to their disregard for the threat of discipline, even though it comes back to bite them once Charlie publishes an article advocating that girls be admitted to Welton.

Freedom of Choice

The boys come up against many potential conflicts with regard to the choices placed before them: Knox must decide whether or not pursue Chris’ affection despite her commitment to Chet; many of the boys, including Todd, must choose whether or not to form the Dead Poets’ Society at all; and Neil must choose whether his love of acting is worth going behind his father’s back. Ultimately, it is when their freedom to choose is taken from them that the boys are the most miserable, particularly in the form of Neil being forced to withdraw from Welton, and the boys having to sign a document implicating Keating in Neil’s suicide.

Coming of Age

As teenagers in secondary school, the main group of boys experience a range of coming-of-age events that run the spectrum from the innocent to the downright tragic. Among the more light-hearted of them would be Knox’s pursuit of Chris Noel’s affection, likely the first girl he’s engaged with in a significant romantic way given how infrequently the boys are able to meet girls. Knox discovers the trials and tribulations of attempting to woo a woman, particularly one already involved in a decidedly unhealthy relationship with a jerk like Chet. On the darker end, the boys deal with the hardship of suicide and the mourning that accompanies it when Neil takes his own life, a form of maturation that only tragedy can elicit.

Carpe Diem: "Seize the Day"

One of Keating’s main, overarching lessons for the boys is the idea of “seizing the day”—that is, making the most of the time they have now and taking advantage of the opportunities available in order to realize their goals. This comes in many forms for the boys: Knox successfully calling up Chris and getting invited to a party; Neil auditioning for and landing a prominent role in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” One could argue that it’s the lesson that stays with the boys most, and the one that the administration is least happy to see the boys embracing.

Going hand-in-hand with the theme of discipline, the boys are only able to form the Dead Poets’ Society by engaging in a bit of rebellion—and in the context of Welton’s strict rules, some pretty consequential rebellion at that. Many of the main characters, like Charlie and Neil, are introduced as being prone to a certain level of rebellion from the film’s beginning, as with their vulgar reinterpretation of the school’s four pillars. Others must work their way up to the idea, like Cameron, Knox, and Todd, who initially hesitate at the idea of forming the Society.

Individuality

Keating places a particular emphasis on helping the boys to find their own individuality. This come in many forms: he asks them to compose original poetry, sparking an intense episode in which he teaches Todd the power of invoking one’s inner passion in front of the whole class. He also teaches the boys Robert Frost’s “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” through his exercise in which each boy must find their own way to walk. This search for individuality is met with harsh opposition and criticism by the more conservative and traditionalist members of Welton’s faculty.

Dead Poets Society Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Dead Poets Society is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What’s the theme of dead poets society rip it out

Do you mean the scene where Keeting asks his class to rip out the Pritchard text? He wants them to avoid conformity by ripping a text that treats poetry like a math equation.

Explore Keating's influence on his students and how his encouragement of originality and "carpe diem" affect them.

I can't write your essay for you but can make a general comment. One of Keating’s main, overarching lessons for the boys is the idea of “seizing the day”—that is, making the most of the time they have now and taking advantage of the opportunities...

According to Pitts, all of the girls go for “jerks”. Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not?

Well, this is a pretty subjective answer from personal experience. Many many years ago I was captain of the chess team in high school. Lets just say girls were not clamouring to wear my jacket. The hockey players,they used to throw pucks at our...

Study Guide for Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society study guide contains a biography of director Peter Weir, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Dead Poets Society
• Dead Poets Society Summary
• Character List
• Director's Influence

Essays for Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of the film Dead Poets Society directed by Peter Weir.

• Authority Against Individualism: Dead Poets Society and The Rabbits
• Dead Poets Society: The Powerful Thought of Individuality
• Identity in Dead Poets Society and Frost's Poetry
• Exploring Transitions: Educating Rita and Dead Poets Society

Wikipedia Entries for Dead Poets Society

• Introduction