Character Development in Dead Poets Society

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In a school full of intellectual and refined looking students, each of them seem to have the utmost ambition and only see academics as their purpose. However, a new tale of a charismatic, young teacher named John Keating allows these students to see the world from a different perspective and learn to embrace the phrase “Carpe Diem”. This tale is called Dead Poets Society by screen-writer Tom Schulman and directed by Peter Weir; the movie was subsequently followed by a novel written by N.H. Kleinbaum. The setting takes place in an Ivy League prep school named Welton Academy in the distant hills of Vermont in 1959. Throughout the story, Keating’s teachings have influenced the minds of these students and encourage them to let loose and try to live life to its fullest. A few of these students who showed major character developments from Keating include Todd Anderson, Neil Perry, and Knox Overstreet.
Mr. Keating influences Tom Anderson by giving him the confidence and inspiration he didn’t have before. For example, Todd was the first to stand on his desk and address him as “O’ Captain, my Captain”. This incident shows how Todd’s personality progressed from a timid and feeble character to one who has great certainty in his abilities. This scene also symbolizes how Keating’s teachings have motivated Todd and his other student’s outlook towards life. In addition, Keating had Todd Anderson perform a poetic exercise to help Todd complete his assignment. Before Todd presented his poem, he seemed pressured by his brother’s and parent’s expectations which has led him to lack confidence in his abilities. However, this all changes as Todd recites his poem about the madman on the wall; this poem seemed to have a significant turning point in his ...

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...nged in ways that were inspired by Keating but have also led to his own death. Knox Overstreet used Keating’s philosophies to achieve what he desired most: a girl. In addition, Keating’s teachings also had a symbolic meaning to them. For instance, Keating told the boys to rip out the introductory pages, which he believed were preposterous. This act shows liberty for the boys to become free thinkers and not take other’s words as criticism or authority over them. Another incident was when Keating told them to stand on the desk to see the class at another perspective. This lesson shows how the world is better seen at a different view and how you think of it, not how others see it. No matter how Keating teaches his class, these ideals encouraged his students to help deal with their problems and inspired them to “seize their days” by trying to achieve what they desire.

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