Characters
He is the English Teacher who inspires his students to "seize the day."
Who is Mr. Keating?
“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
What is Mr. Keating’s famous advice?
The phrase “Carpe Diem” represents this main theme.
What is living life to the fullest?
The students find out about the “Dead Poets Society” in this way.
What is reading about it in Mr. Keating’s old yearbook?
Standing on desks symbolizes this idea.
What is seeing the world from a new perspective?
This student is shy at first but gains confidence through poetry and acting.
Who is Todd Anderson?
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race.”
What does Mr. Keating say about poetry’s importance?
The film contrasts conformity with this opposing idea.
What is individuality?
The boys secretly meet here to read poetry.
What is the cave?
The cave symbolizes this.
What is freedom or escape from conformity?
He is passionate about acting and defies his father’s wishes.
Who is Neil Perry?
“O Captain! My Captain!”
What do the students say to honor Mr. Keating?
Mr. Keating’s teaching style encourages students to think for themselves, showing this theme.
What is free thought or nonconformity?
Neil performs in this Shakespeare play.
What is A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
The birds flying away at the end represent this.
What is liberation or independence?
He is the headmaster of Welton Academy.
Who is Mr. Nolan?
“For most men, it takes them their whole lives to realize they’re not going to achieve greatness.”
What does Mr. Keating say about self-realization?
Neil’s story mainly explores this tragic theme.
What is the pressure of parental expectations?
Mr. Keating is fired for this reason.
What is being blamed for Neil’s death?
The use of poetry in the film symbolizes this.
What is emotional expression and individuality?
This student publishes an article mocking the school’s strict traditions.
Who is Charlie Dalton (Nuwanda)?
“You must strive to find your own voice.”
What lesson does Mr. Keating give his students about individuality?
The film shows how art and poetry can help people find this.
What is identity or purpose?
The students stand on their desks and say this phrase in the final scene.
What is “O Captain! My Captain!”?
The school’s four pillars Tradition, Honor, Discipline, and Excellence represent this.
What is conformity and societal pressure?