Dead Poets Society
When Mr. Keating asked the boys to stand on his desk, what lesson was he teaching them?
Always look at things a different way, from a different perspective.
What was the name of Holden's younger brother, and what happened to him?
Allie, he died of cancer when he was really young
Who was the first to be called a phony by Holden?
His school and everyone in it
What symbol from the book shows up the most?
What is: the red hunting hat
When Mr. Keating had the boys look at the old school photos, what did he want the boys to know about the people in those photos?
They were once just like you, and now they're dead. Wonder if they made something meaningful of their lives
When Mr. Keating took the boys outside and had them walk around, what lesson was he teaching them?
The dangers of conformity; swim against the stream
Why does Holden keep trying to reach out and talk to people?
He's trying to figure out if it's safe for him to grow up
What age range are the people typically called phonies by Holden?
Adults, people older than him
What do Jane's checkers in the back row symbolize?
What is: innocence
What was the first lesson Mr. Keating taught his class?
Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)
When Mr. Keating had the students rip out the introductions of their textbooks, what lesson was he teaching them?
Think for yourself
Why does Holden have a hard time knowing if it's okay to grow up?
He is obsessed with innocence ever since his little brother passed away, since his brother never got a chance to grow up, and therefore stayed innocent forever. Everything stopped for Holden after that.
Which characters in Chapter 15 does Holden talk to and enjoy, despite them being adults? Why?
Nuns, because they symbolize purity and innocence, which Holden is infatuated with.
What does Holden ask his cab drivers?
Where do the ducks in the pond go?
How would you characterize Knox Overstreet?
The lover boy, romantic stereotype
What lesson does Mr. Keating teach Todd when he has to say his poem in front of the class?
Don't worry about perfection- just start.
How does Holden view women?
Both good and bad. He believes women should be treated with respect, like when he says you should stop if a girl says stop, but does not respect them and is often mean or crude.
What does Holden call himself in chapter 3, and says he can't stop doing it even when he doesn't want to?
a professional liar
What does Holden's red hunting hat symbolize?
Safety blanket, child-like item used for comfort
How would you characterize Charlie Dalton?
Bad boy stereotype, disregards the rules, class clown, etc.
What do the boys at the end of the movie standing on their desks symbolize?
Understanding, solidarity, respect for Mr. Keating, etc.
Over the course of the whole book, how many days pass? Throughout those days, list at least three events Holden experienced.
Two and a half days. Ex: hiring a prostitute, getting beat up by a pimp, getting laughed at by the lavender room women, his date with Sally, etc.
what would you call Holden, knowing he judges people for lying but can't stop himself from doing the same?
A hypocrite
Why does Holden like the Museum of Natural History so much?
Because it never changes, things always stay the same
Which famous poet did Mr. Keating often gather inspiration from throughout the movie?
Walt Whitman