Dead Poets Society Final Essay
Choose one of the following themes from the movie below to comment on in an essay:
· Feelings of Alienation:
o Todd’s low self esteem; the issue of conformity and peer pressure; Todd’s following in his brother’s footsteps; the dilemma of feeling indebted to parents
· Dealing with Increased Feelings of Independence and Rebellion:
o Neil’s conflict with his father; Charlie’s illegal editorial; learning to spread one’s wings slowly
· Academic Pressure:
o Private schools as too competitive; preparatory schools as babysitters for the elite; dictatorship of school administrators; expectations from parents and administrators
· Symbolism & Imagery:
o Neil as a Christ figure (he dies so that other boys may truly live); boys as flocks of geese; the flashlight in the cave; Mr. Keating as scapegoat; Mr. Keating as Lincoln-figure (he “frees” the boys from a narrow minded way of thinking)
· Influence of Role Models
o Mr. Keating’s influence on the students; Neil’s father’s influence
Essay Requirements
- Six Paragraphs (4 below plus introduction and conclusion)
- Thesis (what your paper is going to be about/what you’re going to say)
- Proper spelling, grammar, punctuation
- Complete/thorough thoughts
12 Point Times New Roman Font Double Spaced
Title is optional
12 Point Times New Roman Font Double Spaced
Title is optional
Body Paragraphs
In your paper, your body paragraphs should describe:
- 1st Paragraph: HOW the theme you chose to talk about is portrayed in the film (you may utilize examples above)
- 2nd Paragraph: HOW the theme relates to your life: did you learn anything new about these things? Do you have an opinion on the theme? Do you have a personal story or perspective to relate?
- 3rd Paragraph: HOW this movie helped you to think differently – about poetry, teaching, school, alienation, peers, etc.
- 4th Paragraph: WHICH piece of poetry used in the film did you like best and why? Why did it stand out to you? (See attached list)
Poetry from Dead Poets Society
Students: Complete this assignment with integrity and devotion!
I look forward to reading your final essays!
Carpe Diem!
