English 2XL / Shakely / 9.

15

PV Log: (circle one) Poem / Movie / Theater / Lyric / Photo

Date 4/9/16

Title Dead

Poets Society

Author / Director / Poet / Lyricist, etc. (if known)

Peter Weir

Context (Where Found / Viewed / Read . . . Variety of Sources, please, vis-a-vis Google Images only)

Found this movie from Mr. Shakelys required movie list.

Content / CD / Summary (Say? Plot? Setting / Situation? Key lines / Phrases, Scenes, etc? )

This movie focuses on a group of students at a prestigious college preparatory school, Welton. When a new
english teacher, Mr. Keating, enters the school he inspires his students to think for themselves, which goes
against the beliefs of the school. He challenges his students to seize the day by taking risks and initiative.
Each student has their own issues and problems, but with Mr. Keatings teachings, they each find a way out
or a different approach. Keating inspires his students to analyze poetry and life in different ways. In addition,
Mr. Keating tells his students about the Dead Poets Society, a secretive club that reads poetry at night
created by Mr. Keating. Neil, a student, and his fellow classmates decide to revive the secretive club and their
lives are changed forever.
Content / CM / Meaning? / Theme(s)?

The constant theme of this movie is to think freely for oneself, despite what society tells you. During the
movie, the school constantly instructs the students to strictly go to school and think only of their school
work. The school sees excellence in their methods, but as a result, their students are filled with misery and
anguish. However, the movie tells its audience to take chances and live life to the fullest. The phrase carpe
diem (which translates to seize the day) is constantly repeated to tell the audience to do what they desire
in order to enjoy everything life has to offer.

Form (Diction? Construction Terms? Symbolism?) This section MUST be filled out for poems taken from the AP Poetry
packet provided prior to first library visit.

This movie follows a group of students who are all dealing with their own issues, but they all have a common
interest in the Dead Poets Society. In addition, they are all inspired by their English teacher Mr. Keating. Mr.
Keating symbolizes free thinkers, while the principal symbolizes everything that limits people to do what
they desire.
Commentary: Why like? Poetic Traits? Relevance / Connections / Allusions (Lit, Bib, Myth, Histor, Other) / Relevance
to personal experience, 20Qs? etc.)?

I enjoyed this movie because I find it easy to relate to certain characters. Besides it being a story about the
restraining society, it is also about young men who are becoming of age and maturing. In addition, I also find
it quite poetic how Mr. Keating challenges the social norm and encourages his students to freely think for
themselves. He encourages his students to follow their passions and do what they want to do, rather than
being constrained by the school.

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