Name_________________________________
Dead Poets Society
1. Describe some of the traditions/symbols of this formal institution.
2. What are the Four Pillars?
3. Names of main characters:
4. Describe the parent/child relationship explored at the start of the film.
5. Why start with Whitman’s poem. Why carpe diem?
6. Why rip out the pages of the book?
7. How is learning to think for yourself a hallmark of adolescent development?
8. Symbolism of a high school yearbook? Adult response to viewing later?
9. What was the Dead Poets Society? To what was it dedicated?
10.Importance of peer group in movie? Importance of adult role models?
11.Rituals are an important area of sociological study-what are the rituals of the
DPS? What do they add to the development of identity?
12.What signs of rebellion to you see displayed in the club environs? Ex. Taboo
or forbidden behavior?
13.Why does Keating stand on his desk? What does it mean to find your own
voice?
14.How does the movie reflect on dating culture? Look for specifics. Is this
traditional or modern dating portrayed?
15.Corporal punishment is used for discipline in the film-opinion?
16.Individual self identity, parental expectations and peer pressure all play a
part in the climax of this film- did you see it coming (the first time you
watched if you have seen it before)? What lesson does it teach?
SOCRATIC SEMINAR QUESTIONS
Group 1:
1. The film portrays several examples of adolescent dating - are they
traditional couples? What are the acceptable norms of behavior?
How are these rules flaunted?
2. Many institutional rituals and traditions play a part of daily life at
Welton. Discuss what they are and what they represent. Why are
they important?.What rituals are important at Myers Park?
3. A normal part of adolescence is testing and rebelling against
established norms. What are the norms presented in this movie?
How do the students rebel? When does rebellion become unhealthy
or dangerous?
4. Scapegoating vs. group loyalty…discuss the dilemma presented
to the members at the end of the film. What would you have done?
Group 2:
1. The film examines Neil’s family in greatest detail. Discuss the
family dynamics portrayed. What other family influences do you
see depicted? Ex. One brother is a legacy
2. Developing a self identity is a key aspect of healthy adolescent
development- what is carpe diem? How do the boys in the movie
rise to the occasion?
3. According to sociological studies, peer groups hold the biggest
influence over adolescent development - describe the relationships
shared amongst the Dead Poet Society’s members.
4. Adolescence is a time of biological changes, peer pressure, and
diverse social pressure- what does the final scene of the movie tell
you about the change in the student characters over the course of
the film. Everyone does not rise- why?