Dead Poets Society - Supplement to Movie
Answer the following questions while watching the movie:
1. What does “Carpe Diem” mean? Why does Mr. Keating tell his students this?
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2. According to John Keating (the English teacher), why do we study poetry?
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3. What is the Dead Poet’s Society?
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4. Where does the Dead Poet’s Society meet?
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5. What does Neal want to do that his father will most likely disapprove of?
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6. Which play is being performed at Henley Hall? Who wrote it?
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7. Who is Knox infatuated with? _________________________________________
Who is she dating? _______________________________________________
8. Mr. Keating says, “Just don’t let your poems be ___________________________.”
9. Who is the poet Mr. Keating uses to help Todd write his poem? (Hint: He’s the sweaty-toothed
mad-man in the picture)
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10. What instrument does Charlie play at one of the Dead Poet’s Society meetings?
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11. What poem does Mr. Keating use to make his point about everyone being different (when
they were walking in the courtyard)? Who wrote the poem?
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12. What do Todd’s parents give him for his birthday (again)? ________________________
What do he and Neal do with it?
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13. What is Charlie’s new name (instead of Charles Dalton)?
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14. What type of punishment does Charlie, or Nuwanda, get for putting the letter to the editor in
the newspaper (as well as his “It’s God calling” stunt)?
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15. What does Mr. Keating think the purpose of education is?
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16. “There is a time for daring, there is a time for ____________________,” said Mr. Keating.
17. Why does Neal go to Mr. Keating for help? ____________________________________
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18. Do you think Mr. Keating is at fault for the tragedy? Why or why not? Explain...
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Dead Poets Society Worksheet
Directions: Read the questions below, then watch the movie, Dead Poets' Society. As you
view the movie, consider the following questions. Then answer the questions on this
worksheet thoroughly on a separate sheet of paper.
1.
Characters:
Who is (are) the main character(s)? Is he/she/they dynamic or static? Round or flat? If
dynamic, how does he change? What do we learn from this? If he is not dynamic, what do
we learn from his not changing? Is there a protagonist? Who is(are) the antagonist(s)? What
do the protagonist and antagonist represent?
2.
Plot/Conflicts:
What are some of the conflict(s) in the movie? (something/someone VS.
something/someone else). What events or situations in the movie mark the plot structure?
(At what point do the Exposition, Complication, Crisis, Climax, and Resolution take place?)
3.
Setting:
Does setting reveal or affect meaning in the movie? Examples?
4.
Symbolism:
What symbolism do you notice in the movie? Examples?
5.
Irony:
Is there use of irony in the movie? What kind of irony (cosmic, situational, dramatic,
verbal)? Examples?
6.
Other elements:
Are any other literary elements discussed in class used?
7.
Literary Eras:
Give a brief definition of "Romanticism" including its time period and influence on
literature. How does this relate to the theme of the movie? Does it relate to the people,
situations, events, or conflicts in the movie?
8.
Literary Theory:
Can you apply one of our Literary Theories discussed in the text and in class to this movie?
What is the theme of the movie? Do you agree with it or not? Can you relate it to your life or
contemporary society?
9.
Theme:
What is (are) the theme(s) of the movie? Examine the conflict discussed above to gain
insight on the theme.
10.
By what quote, and/or scene, and/or character were you most inspired? Why?
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Dead Poets’ Society- Analysis questions
1. Describe the setting (time and place) in detail.
2. Discuss the meaning of how John Keating introduces himself to the class.
3. A) What Latin phrase captures part of the theme of this movie?
B) How does this phrase change each of the characters?
4. What is the meaning of YAWP and who is most affected by it?
5. Discuss the conflict between conformity and individuality in the movie especially the
struggles the main characters and John Keating undergo.
6. What is the Dead Poets’ Society what does it represent?
7. Here are several key phrases from the movie. Discuss their meaning
a) “We are food for worms.”
b) “The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.”
c) “Only in their dreams can men be truly free. T’was always thus and always thus shall be.”
d) “I want you to find your own way to walk.”
e) “Sucking the marrow out of life does not mean choking on the bone.”
f) “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.”
g) “Make your lives extraordinary. “
h) “O Captain. My Captain.”
8. This movie does not answer any questions. It provides choices. Comment on this.
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