DEAD POETS’ SOCIETY: Coming of Age in (the 50’s) or (under the shadow of the nuclear age) or (under the shadow of the space race) or (then and now)
As compared to other stories we will read in 1102: Araby, Recitatif, Pair of Tickets, The Lost World
For now, in consideration of the poems you need to recite for Poetry Out Loud, and in consideration of the sonnet you need to write, it’s good timing.
Points for discussion in a paper, blog or presentation might include:
· The relationship between these described 50’s prep school experience and the present public school experience – differences / similarities?
· Mr. Keating’s role in Neil’s death – guilty?
· Practical study vs. Alternative study – what is learned that is outside traditional study techniques? What’s the POINT of education? To absorb a body of knowledge, or to learn to look, think for yourselves, seek?
· Romanticism vs. Realism – which characters embrace which? Why?
· “All the good girls go for jerks, Pittsy…” Agree or disagree? Why? Among the most popular “Coming of Age” themes!
· The role and importance of creativity
· Poem to Dead Poets Society characters?
Todd’s poem:
A sweaty toothed madman
With a stare that pounds my brain
All the time whispering
Truth is like a blanket
That always leaves your feet cold
From the moment you enter crying
To the moment you leave dying
It will never cover any of us
As you wail
And cry
And scream.
“Mr. Anderson believes that everything inside of him is worthless and embarrassing, isn’t that right, Todd? Well, I’m going to show you that you have something very valuable inside of you. I sound my barbaric YAWP to the world!” (What has Todd learned? Translate the lesson into your own terms.) How is truth “like a blanket that leaves your feet cold?”
“Business, Law, Medicine, these are all noble pursuits, necessary to sustain life;
But Beauty, Truth, Love, PASSION - these are what we are alive FOR.
The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse! Yes, the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse! What will YOUR VERSE be?”
(So, what will YOUR VERSE – your life, your contribution to this little planet among so many others….what will you do with this small, precious time you’re allotted?)
“You see, these boys are food for worms, lads. They’re fertilizing daffodils. Did they make something extraordinary of their lives? Listen to their message to you: CARPE DIEM, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.)”
When can respect for authority conflict with your own personal beliefs?
What does the Dead Poets Society offer the boys that’s missing in their lives?
Write an essay or poem for the National Gallery.
If you want, I’d be glad to set up a once a month poetry café, typical of the 50s, 60s, and 70s ala the Nuyorican Poetry Café, or the Peoples’ Poetry Gathering.
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