“To
the Virgins" and the Horace poem that features the line "hold onto
the day" (carpe diem).
Dead Poets Society Journal Assignment
Your task:
Over the course of our four-day viewing of the film, you
must complete THREE journal entries
written in response to the prompts below (unless you have a good idea that’s
not here). Each journal entry should be
about one to two pages in length. Handed
in on LL or Posted to QuinnEnglish.Blogspot.com (DP Journal # 1, DP Journal #
2, DP Journal # 3) Due Nov 29, Nov 30 and Dec 1.
Possible prompts:
*Which of the boys do you think is the most sympathetic
character and why?
*What comment does the film make on authority and
nonconformity? How does it make this
comment?
*What are some of the main conflicts in the movie? Why are these conflicts important? How are they resolved?
*How does the film access ideas associated with the
Transcendentalist Movement? (Do some
basic research.)
*How is one of the boys in the film similar to (and/or
different from) Holden and/or Paul?
*Compare the film to another movie, a TV show, book, or
story (besides Catcher or “Paul’s
Case”).
*Transcribe a quotation from the film that you find
interesting and write about it (meaning, importance, agree/disagree, etc.).
*Read one of the texts (besides the two we’ve already read)
to which the film alludes (references).
Discuss why the particular text seems to have been mentioned, and what
effect it has on the scene.
*Critique one or more scenes of the film. Avoid blanket comments like “It was good” or
“It was terrible” and focus instead on analyzing how the actors, the direction,
the particular shot, the music, etc., act in concert. Point out what seems to work and why or what
seems not to work and why.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/quotes?qt=qt0437442
ReplyDeleteThe quote above was said by Mr. John Keating, an inspiring English teacher who is trying to make the boys view the world in a different way. Mr.Keating showed the students a picture of old class men who once attended, Welton Academy, what he was trying to make the boys understand was though although they graduated many years ago, they too have the same dreams that the boys have. The boys in the picture already made it through, they made something with there life, there legacy continues to live in. When Mr.Keating said that if you listen close you will hear them whispering to you, what he meant was take full opportunity of your life like they did, cease the day, be remembered just like they are till this day. I think this quote is one of the most memorable ones of the film due to the fact that 'carpe diem' is mentioned alot through out the film, it's the theme of the film, it's what Mr.Keating is trying to make his students understand, cease the day.
"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion."(Part 3).
ReplyDeleteThis quotation means that Mr. Keating does not think that Poetry is used to have fun, or be cute. It should be used with a meaning. This meaning is that there should be a passion in poetry, and he says that all humans have passion. Just because of the fact that we are humans, he says we should have passion. This reveals that Mr. Keating thinks everyone in the world has the potential to believe in something, and do something. Mr. Keating is an intellectual, meaning that he is very smart, and knows what he is talking about. This is why we can assume that what he is saying has a value to it, and is not just a crazy teacher telling his kids something. What he says is important, and reveals that Humans should do something such as poetry because of their passion, and not simply because they want to get it over with.
What comment does the film make on authority and nonconformity? How does it make this comment?
ReplyDeleteIn the film the main commentor on authority and conformity is the English teacher, Mr. Keating. He believes that when it comes to poetry conforming to authority is just going through the motions. According to Mr. Keating Poetry is used to express meaning and passion through words. He makes the students in his class rip out the introduction of the book they use because it states that poetry is either good or bad based on a graph of importance. Mr. Keating does not believe there is a formula to Poetry. Poetry is either good or bad based on the meaning and passion of it and that it can be good and bad to different people. Mr. Keating shows his class that they need to take a different perspective on things by standing on his desk. Mr. Keating definatley shows his students when it comes to poetry there can not be conformity. He uses unorthodox teaching stratagies to convey this idea to his class in order to better show them what he is trying to tell them. Mr. keating is a prime example of how the movie comments on conformity and authority.
How is one of the boys in the film similar to (and/or different from) Holden and/or Paul?
ReplyDeleteSeveral of the boys from the film have similar personalities to Holden from, Catcher In the Rye. The one that overall stands out the most from each and every single one is Todd. So far, throughout the movie Todd is shown at times isolating himself from the rest of the general group. Not only this but at the beginning he did not want to show up to the meeting for the Dead Poets Society. Also he refused to present a poem for the club as well as in his English class. These actions can be compared to Holden. Holden does not like to communicate with people whom he does not know. He is very lonely and also many times puts his feelings aside.
"There's a time for daring and there's a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for."
ReplyDeleteThis quote is saying that a wise man knows whether to take a chance and be dangerous and couragous and also knows when to remain cautious and observe his surroundings. Mr. Keating is saying this to Knox because he pulled a prank at school and got in trouble for it. Mr. Keating believes that Knox was naive and reckless in his decisions to do this. Mr. Keating is attempting to help the process of growing up with his students and is attempting to show them to not conform to society yet to occasioanally remain cautious and seize their oppertunities. Knox has yet to draw that fine line between danger and cautiousness and Mr. Keating believes he will need to help in the process of drawing that line.
Journal 2
Todd Anderson is the new kid at the school and doesn't know anyone at first. He is similar to Paul and Holden for various reasons. These reasons include that he isolates himself and that he is quiet, especially in Mr. Keating's class. During the scene where all the boys are outside playing sports or dancing, Todd is shown sitting alone in his room writing Poetry. This scene characterizes Todd as someone that likes to be isolated or alone. Also, later in the scene, he doesn't seem too optimistic when asked if he would attend the next DPS meeting; thus, suggesting more of this idea of isolation similar to Holden and Paul. He is also very different because he clearly has no problem having fun with his friends like when they chased each other around the room. Basically, Todd has a lesser degree of socially awkwardness about him, but he still contains some of these traits.
ReplyDeleteJordan Ruff Period 8
Journal #1
ReplyDelete*How is one of the boys in the film similar to (and/or different from) Holden and/or Paul?
Holden Caulfield, protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, and Todd Anderson, a character in the movie “Dead Poets Society”, show many similarities. First, both Holden and Todd share reserved personalities. From the beginning of the novel, Holden Caulfield showed a desire to isolate himself from the rest of society. He believed that everything around him was a phony, and preferred to be alone than to engage with others around him. Similarly, Todd is also somewhat antisocial. He’s new to Welton Academy and came to the school without knowing anybody. Consequently, while all the other boys already have formed their own social circles of friends, Todd faces conflict with everyone around him as he tries to assimilate into a new school life. Further, Todd has a reserved personality because he has extremely low self-esteem. As shown by his trepidation of presenting his poem and his reluctance to read in front of the class, Todd doesn’t like being in large social settings; he prefers social isolation. For example, when everyone at Welton was spending his weekend outside dancing, canoeing, and fencing, Todd was alone inside writing his poem. Even though Todd most likely doesn’t view everyone around him as a phony the way Holden does, both of the protagonists are characterized by their desire for for social isolation. This impacts their personality and their development throughout the story line and helps the reader understand why they act certain ways. A second similarity the two characters show is their classroom behavior. Holden failed all but one of his classes at Pencey Prep because he never motivated himself to work hard and he believed his teachers were phonies. He never made any positive contributions to his classes. Similarly, Todd’s low self-esteem discouraged him from participating in English class, which is why he didn’t answer Mr. Keating’s questions or want to share his poem. However, even though both of these characters had similar classroom behavior, their motivations for their actions were very different. This is an important message for teenagers today because teachers have to realize that there are multiple social and psychological factors behind a student’s lack of classroom participation. Rather than just labeling kids as “dumb,” schools should try to generate understanding with students. This way, they can provide guidance to troubled children like Holden, or make self-conscious children like Todd feel better about themselves. A third similarity between the two main characters is their perceived self-sufficiency. Throughout the novel, Holden shows to readers that he believes he’s perfectly capable of providing for himself. Thus, he has no problem running away on his own or living alone. Except for his sister Phoebe, Holden doesn’t he needs anyone, including his parents, to help him live life. Similarly, Todd has a similar sense of independence that he shows when he talks to Neil. He told his roommate that he was totally capable of watching for himself and nobody else had to help him. This characterizes both Holden and Todd as independent individuals who aren’t reliant on others. However, if readers and viewers analyze these characters’ behaviors closely, they can gain an important insight into their mental state. It’s highly likely that Holden and Todd act independently because they have, in the past, been forced to fend for themselves. Indeed, both of them have probably become so independent and opposed to support from others because doing so was necessary for them to adapt to society. Just as Holden had to become independent because he felt everyone was a phony, Todd might distrust the people around him or because have had a traumatizing childhood event. By analyzing both Holden and Todd’s similarities and differences, the reader can gain a higher-level understanding of both characters and their reasons for action.
Jake Korek
ReplyDeletePeriod 8
What comment does the film make on authority and nonconformity? How does it make this comment?
In this film, there is a statement made about authority and nonconformity. This statement is the unorthodox teaching style of Mr. Keating. This is shown in several ways. One of these ways is when Mr. Keating stands on top of the table to show that there should be different perspectives in life. This is not something that would usually happen, and is a strange and different strategy of showing kids that life has different perspectives based on your location. Another way that Mr. Keating revealed his unorthodox ways of teaching is by him telling the kids to rip out the introduction of their poetry books. This is because he did not agree with the rating system of this book for poetry, which was a chart that measured the greatness of a poem. He said a poem is measured by how good it actually is, and so he told them to rip this part of their book out. Most teachers would simply tell their students to ignore the part if they disagreed with it, but he had them rip it out. This shows his severely unorthodox teaching style.
Journal #2: What comment does the film make on authority and nonconformity? How does it make this comment?
ReplyDeleteDead Poets Society, in a sense, completely undermines the concept of higher authority and preaches uniqueness or nonconformity. The film makes this comment through the teachings of Mr. Keating, the English teacher at the academy. Mr. Keating frequently encourages being independent from society and to differ from normality. He believes that humans have the capacity to be diverse and not follow the status quo. In one distinct seen of the film, Mr. Keating tells his students to stand on their desks; this shows how they should look at things in a different way or through a diverse perspective. Another recurring phrase that comments on nonconformity is “Carpe Diem”. This signifies seize the day in Latin. This encourages the characters in the film to attempt new tasks and try certain things out of the ordinary. This is seen when Neil auditions for a play even though it will surely go against his father’s best interest. This film undermines authority in several scenes in the movie, such as when Mr. Keating defines education as learning to think for yourself. This independent nature that is being implemented into these students reflects on their perspective on authority. They will slowly pay less attention to higher authority and focus on their personal endeavors. This is seen when Charlie writes the article on admitting girls into the school and even mocks his headmaster on the topic. Dead Poets Society undermines higher authority and preaches the concept of nonconformity.
Daniel Maldonado
Period 7
Todd Anderson is the new kid at Welton and he is nervous about it. He is anxious in all of his classes and among his peers. He is similar to Holden and Paul because he is the new kid and is scared about making a good first impression. This is shown when he doesn't join the boys in there study group due to the fact he is nervous. As the movie progresses he begins to open up a little more to his peers by joining them in the DPS. Though while all the other boys are outside rowing, and fencing, he is isolated in his room writing a poem that he had to finish for Mr. Keatings English class. He had many crumpled up papers next to him showing his lack of self confidence, which is also shown when Mr. Keating asks him to present but he lies and says he didn't do it. I believe that Todd will open up more to his peers in the next few scenes.
ReplyDeleteJournal #2
ReplyDelete“Dead Poets Society” incorporates the works of many other poets to enhance its plotline throughout the entire movie. For example, in the scene when Mr. Keating teaches his class about conformity, he references the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. This poem was used to enhance Keating’s lesson that people should take steps to protect their individuality and be careful about conformity. Like Keating, Robert Frost tells individuals that they shouldn’t take the easy way out as shown by when he says “Two roads diverged in a wood, And I-/ I took the one less travelled by,/ And that has made all the difference, “ (lines 18-20.) This influences the scene because it helps viewers better understand the theme. “Dead Poets Society” tries to teach individuals that they have to protect what makes them unique and they should be cautious of conforming. The movie shows this through the protagonists’ internal conflict as authority figures like the headmaster and their parents try to get them to conform while Mr. Keating tells them to think for themselves. Thus, using Frost’s poem that tells individuals to live their own life path and be unique effectively conveys the theme of the movie to viewers.
Journal #2
ReplyDeleteThe central theme of this movie has to do with conformity. This theme is that a person must not conform to what others are doing or think but that they must be their own person. This comment on conformity is made through the lessons taught by Mr. Keating. One in particular is the lesson that takes place in the courtyard. Mr. Keating has 3 boys walk one behind another in a circle. They each walk their own way until they are all walking simultaneously at which time he has them continue following one another. By doing this, he is communicating the idea that the world, especially Welton School, wants the boys to be a certain way. By doing what the people around them want to do, Mr. Keating shows how each boy looses their individual walking style, which represents their individuality in life.
The Main conflict of the film is conformity versus independence. The students in Mr. Keatings class are in a school where conformity is expected and defiance results in consequences. Mr. Keating uses unorthodox teaching stratagies because he believes conforming to society is not always good and that individuality is needed in a young mans life. Because of the mix of ideas the students are put in a position where they dont know whether or not to conform or be independent. Neil is a prime example of this because all of his life he had obeyed his fathers demands but safter Mr. keating he believes that he should decide what happends in his life. Also charlie pulls a prank and goes against the school in an attempt to be independent and not conform and creates contraversey in the school. The conflict of conformity versus Independence creates many problems throughout the film.
ReplyDelete"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion."
ReplyDeleteThis quote was said by the english teacher Mr. Keating. What he is saying is that poetry isn't for the appearance, it's for the underlying passion that comes with it. This passion comes with the human race which essentially means that all people have it, they just need to find it. This is very important throughout the movie for 2 reasons. One, it shows Mr. Keating's passionate and intangible personality that is rare nowadays. Secondly, we know that Mr. Keating is very astute on the topic of poetry, so this is important because it is true. Additionally, Mr. Keating doesn't just say this, he supports it through his actions as shown by his passion in the way he teaches. Even with Todd Anderson, a reserved and very quiet kid, Mr. Keating managed to make him a fantastic poet by exploiting his weaknesses. This passion is what drives the human race not only in poetry but in all cases in life.
*Compare the film to another movie, a TV show, book, or story (besides Catcher or “Paul’s Case”).
ReplyDeleteThis movie can be compared to several different works of literature. One movie that I can compare with great depth to “Dead Poets Society” is “Matilda”. In the DPS several of the main characters are prevented from doing what they prefer to do such as grouping up together for a DPS meeting. This is very similar to the plot line of Matilda; throughout the entire movie she is put down by her parents who disagree that education is not a priority. For example, In DPS Neil ends up committing suicide due to the fact that his own father was extremely disappointed with him for acting in a play. Luckily in Matilda, it does not end so hastily. Matilda, fortunately, gets to move in with her teacher who supports her and wants her to succeed through her education. Overall my personal belief was that Matilda was an overall better movie which promoted education. Dead Poets Society was a very general but also old fashioned story which was also predictable through many scenes.
Jake Korek
ReplyDeletePeriod 8
What are some of the main conflicts in the movie? Why are these conflicts important? How are they resolved?
One of the major conflicts in this movie is the one between Neil and his Dad. Neil's dream in life is to become an actor. This is what he wants to do, and it is what he is trying to achieve. However, his father strongly disapproves of Neil pursuing a career as an actor. Instead, he would like it if his son were to strive towards becoming a doctor, and focus more on his studies than acting. Neil does not want to confront his father about this, because he thinks that he will not understand. Neil auditions for a role in a play, and eventually he gets the part. Neil happily accepts the part, and he is thrilled that he was the one chosen. Neil's father said that he did not want him participating in the play. Eventually the play comes around, and Neil does a very good job in it. Unfortunately for Neil, his father happens to come to the production, and he is extremely upset. Once it is over, Neil's father takes him home, and tells him that he is going to send him to military school so he can prepare for his career in medicine. This completely crushes Neil's hopes, so he decides to commit suicide due to the fact that his father does not want to listen to Neil's requests to be an actor. So, it can be concluded that this conflict was not truly resolved, and the only end to it was that Neil committed suicide, which is a horrible way to end something, and is the last resort. This conflict was extremely important to the story because it gave viewers the knowledge of how high the expectations of some of the parents from this school were. They signed their children up to this school, expecting them to become extremely successful, and eventually go to an ivy league school. This is clearly not what some of the kids from the school want to do with their life, as shown with Neil. He is one of the students that showed they disagree with their parents, however there are most likely many more that simply were too afraid of the consequences they would face from their parents. Therefore, this conflict is important.