John Keating
Welton Graduate, new English teacher on faculty
Todd Anderson
painfully shy, new to Welton; older brother attended Welton
Neil Perry
Todds roomate, frustrated with his fathers demands and expectations
Charlie Dalton
rebel among the boys; not afraid to take risks even foolish ones
Stephen Meeks
red hair, freckles, and glasses; excellent in Latin; helps build radio
Knox Over-street
dines with friends of parents; falls for Chris, girlfriend of friends' son
Richard Cameron
red hair; unwilling to defy school's authority
Gerard Pitts
tall, gangly boy; teased about his name; helps build radio
Mr. Nolan
traditional, strict headmaster of Welton Academy
What are the 4 pillars of Welton Academy ?
Tradition, discipline, honor, excellence
What does the conflict between Neil and his dad reveal about the boys' relationships with their families in this time period?
you do what your told, expected to be obedient
How does Mr. Keating conduct class on the first day of school compared to other teachers?
Unorthodox, not regular, teach them to cease the day.
What Latin phrase does he teach to the boys? What is its English translation? What does it mean ?
Carpe diem. Live to the fullest
What point does Mr. Keating conduct class on the first day of school compared to other teachers?
people remember you by your actions.
Where does Knox go for the evening ? What does he tell the boys about his evening ?
Dam Berrys house. He meets the most beautiful girl ever. Chris
In Mr. Keating class the next day, what bizarre request does Keating ask of the boys? Why? Who is the first to comply with his request? why?
To rip off intros in the books. Charlie
According to Mr. Keating, why is studying poetry important? What does Mr. Keating want the boys to learn about poetry, beauty, romance, and love?
poetry = human race inspires passion , beauty, and love to discover the human race
When Mr. Keating tells the boys to let the "powerful play go on" and "contribute a verse," what do these metaphorical statements mean?
Do something meaningful.
What is the other teacher's reaction to Keating's teaching techniques? What does Mr. Keating say he hopes to teach the boys?
they dont approve of his teaching methods. teach others what he had learned in life about romanticism and how it needed to be controlled
What was the Dead Poets Society ? What is Keating's warning about it? Which famous writer does the society quote to begin their meetings?
A teacher at an exclusive eastern prep school inspires students to "seize the day," to stand up for what they believe and for who they are. Students resurrect a club from the school's past called the dead poets society, where they meet in a cave to read poetry and have deep discussions. The students' newfound independence leads them to conflict with their parents and the school administration, ultimately leading to the suicide of one student and the firing of the teacher. Robin Williams is brilliant as the teacher. The admin doesnt like it so they need to be more careful, Henry David Thoreau.
What do the boys plan after talking to Mr. Keating? What does Neil find on his desk that evening ?
To go into the cave . and plan the DPS
Describe the boys' first meeting of the DPS
They read 2ft , 2 flashlights
According to Mr. Keating, language was created for what purpose ?
to oppress love
Why does Keating have the students stand on his desk?
To show perspective on life
What assignment from Keating scares Todd? Why?
write his own poetry for class
what is Neil's dream? Whom do the boys expect to disapprove of it ?
to act. his father
How does the audience know Mr. Keating has begun to influence Todd?
the gains of confidence
Describe the poetry presentation day. What happens with Todd? Why?
didnt write anything
Who is "Uncle Walt"? What is the purpose of the "barbaric yawp"?
Walt Whitman. To show power in and bring confidence .
What is the point of the walking exercise in the courtyard? Who watches from an upstairs window?
Prove conformity , Principle
What do the boys now regularly call Mr. Keating
Captain
Why is Todd upset on his birthday ? What does this event suggest?
Parents keep getting him the same gift, Parents dont care.
What exciting news does Neil share with the others?
he got the part in the play
What does Neil dishonestly tell Mr. Keating about his role?
He lied to his father about the play and that hes allowed to be in the play.
What is Charlies new name? Why does he want o use this one?
Newanda, equality
Explain how Neil, Todd, Charlie, and Knox each are changing b/c of the influence of keating ?
Neil has more freedom of speech and thought, Todd grins, Charlie becomes daring and knot becomes confident
How does Charlie woo the girls in the cave ?
Changes his name and brings the girls
What daring act does Knox perform at the party ?
Kisses Chris
What has Charlie done that brings unwanted attention to the DPS?
Puts it in the newspaper
What happens during the school assembly?
Call from God
When Mr. Nolan speaks to Mr. Keating about his "unorthodox teaching " what two concepts does he say the boys need at this point in their education ?
Tradition and Modesty
How does Neil feel when his father orders him to quit the play ?
Upset
What advice does Mr. Keating give to Neil about his father ?
Talk to his fam the same way
How does Knox again try to win the attention of Chris?
Goes to her class
How does Neils father react to Neils disobeying of his instructions?
he gets really mad
How do we know that Knox has won Chris ?
Comes to warn him
What is the boys and keatings reaction to Neils performance ?
They like it
Why does Neil feel so trapped ?
his parents dont allow him to act
Who is most affected by Neils death ? Why?
todd, his roommate
Who "finks" on the boys in the DPS ? Why?
Cameron b/c he didnt want to get in trouble.
Whom does the admin want to punish for Neils death ? Why?
Mr keating .didnt agree with his teaching ways
What is the only way for the boys to "save themselves" and remain at Welton Academy?
saying it way Mr. Keatings fault
What happens to Mr. Keating?
Fired
Why is Todd compelled to explain what seems a betrayal by the boys?
Feels guilty. doesnt want Mr. Keating to feel bad
What is the final defiant act of the boys to show their loyalty and admiration for Mr. Keating ?
Stand on desk shout "Captain O' Captain"
List 3 personality traits that prove Mr. Keating is a Transcendentalist ?
non conformist , free thinking , likes nature
Why did the film director switch the camera angle in the final minutes of the story ?
Showing they now see things in a diff. perspective
What is the theme or main message of this film ?
be ind.