In a
school where tradition is highly regarded as a means of achieving excellence and discipline among its
students, a teacher, Mr. Keating, is set to defy the odds. Equipped with his unconventional method and unorthodox style of teaching, he is
able to fuel the gears of the
curriculum stocked in tradition. He stresses the importance of the learners in a curriculum drifted by philosophical and historical foundations. He, nevertheless, is able to set a different mentality among his students, lighting their hopes in making the best out of their
life by inspiring them to pursue their personal desires and passion. Carpe Diem, seize the day, suck all the marrow out of life, look at things in a different way. Just like poetry, he let them identify and make their own verses inculcating the importance of psychological and socio-cultural foundation in curriculum. But, as the students take a more different meaning on making their lives extraordinary, the school takes action in eliminating the threat in their curriculum that is exterminating Mr. Keating out of the school and preserving the curriculum wrapped entirely of history and philosophy.
CHARACTERS OF THE STORY
A) Mr. Keating &
sect; “The Captain Himself.” The unusual professor who goes beyond the borders of traditional method and insisted that students should learn and discover on their own. He, nevertheless, is able to change the views of his students in living their lives. He is able to “suck out all the marrow” in them inspiring them to pursue personal passions (Carpe Diem, Seize the day) but in the
end, this became the primary reason of his expulsion in the school. B) Senior Faculty § The Head Master, Mr. Nolan, believe that the changes made in the curriculum by Mr. Keating is not necessary. He insisted that tradition and discipline is what the learners need for now to prepare them for college. He believed that the curriculum is tried and tested and that there is no need for a change. The key word for Mr. Nolan is “preservation” rather than “change.”
C) Neil Perry § Neil is one of the brightest students in the school. Neil is also a good actor but can’t pursue it since his father wanted him to practice something else. He had no courage to insist his desires at first but after his encounter with Mr. Keating, he became open to changes. He became passionate in reviving the Dead Poet Society, which was a former organization of Mr. Keating, and proclaimed himself leader of the group. Through Dead Poet Society, the members were able to find relief in doing the things they thought they could never do. The newly found organization also gave strength to Neil in pursuing his passion for acting. This brought many changes in him but in the end, his strength came up short and resolved in ending his own life.
D) Todd Anderson § Todd is a shy student. He is doubtful of his capabilities and afraid of negative feedbacks. Mr. Keating noticed that and worked his way in digging deep into his potential and in the end, was able to foster change in him. In the death of his best friend, Neil Perry, Todd’s emotions are greatly depicted and the shy student in the earlier part of the movie evolved into a daring student in the end having to lead the class in saluting their captain, Mr. Keating. E) Mr. Perry
§ The father of Neil. He wants his son to pursue his “plans” for him. In doing these, he ordered Neil to ignore all his passions for now and live a life that he planned for his son that he think is better. He insisted on Neil too much causing his son to commit suicide in the end.
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