Essay, Research Paper
The Hero of Dead Poet s Society
The movie Dead Poet s Society is about a group of young men growing up in a strict boarding school environment and their transition to a different type of lifestyle under the influence of the new English teacher, Mr. Keating. The film takes the standard idea of oppression and puts it in a private school setting. In the fight for their individualism, the characters display heroic traits, but one student, Todd Anderson, stands before all of them as the main hero of the movie.
At Welton Academy there were four pillars supporting the school: excellence, honor, tradition, and discipline. The school in actuality only lives up to 2 of these pillars: tradition and discipline. The school has been running in the same tradition year after year and the leaders fear change and continue with their archaic ways. The academy resembles a communist state with Nolan acting as dictator. The students are drones going through life day after day with someone else s program directing them. When Mr. Keating began teaching at the school he opened up doorways for the students, and attempted to help them think for themselves and begin living for themselves.
Todd Anderson came to the school as a new student and therefore would have a hard time adjusting. To make matters worse the first thing he heard was of how good a student his brother was and that he has large shoes to fill. He was already insecure and this sort of comment would not help his esteem. Todd was a quiet and reserved student and may have even seemed indifferent to situations around him at times. He had some of the most difficult problems to overcome, namely his social-phobia. He had a great fear of being in the spotlight and just wanted to go unrecognized.
Though Todd was very shy, he and Neil became good friends. Todd showed noble traits and qualities when dealing with his friends. He reasoned with Neil and gave suggestions about how he could act in the play. He was a very tolerant person, throughout the film, he never really got angry at any of his friends. Although Todd may not have been the main character, there were always references to him, from the time he wrote Carpe Diem in his notebook, to when he was sitting in the back at the society s meetings.
Todd wrote poetry for class and was very personal about it, but when he was asked to read it aloud, he said he had none. Also he refused to read at the society meetings. Keating made him come to the front of the classroom anyway and helped him get the words inside out. This seemed to be a turning point for Todd. Keating had helped uncover a heavily guarded part of Todd. After this event he became slightly more vocal and self assured.
It wasn t until the end of the movie that Todd really seemed a hero though. After Neil Perry had killed himself, the school needed a scapegoat to blame the issue on. They picked the easiest target, Keating, and had him fired. Each student from the society had to go to headmaster Nolan s room and sign a document indicating Keating had caused Neil to take his own life. When Cameron returned and said they should let Keating fry, Todd stood up for the first time and argued against Cameron. The experience of Neil s death changed Todd from a pacifist to more of a leader. During class after Keating had been fired, he came back to get his personal belongings. Todd began to tell Mr. Keating that they were forced to sign the document but was quickly hushed by Mr. Nolan. Finally Todd took the initiative, overcame his fear of being in the spotlight, and stood up on his desk saluting Mr. Keating and calling him his Captain. The other students followed Todd s example and the whole class saluted Keating thanks to Todd. The film ends with the thought that Todd may take Neil s place as leader in the society which will with no doubt continue.
Other characters displayed heroic traits, but were not to be considered the main hero due to certain mistakes or other reasons. Charlie Dalton was a leader and pushed for action, but he was a bit too fanatical. The publishing of the letter in the school newspaper without the consent of the other members and the phone call from God in the middle of assembly were two examples of his radical actions which were too extreme.
Mr. Keating could also be considered as the main hero, but he had a few flaws which kept him from being so. First, He tried to get the kids to think for themselves, but it seemed a little too fast. These students had grown up their entire life being told what to do and then doing it. Mr. Keating should have helped them think for themselves gradually and let them get used to the idea before dumping it on them. He also in a way encouraged Neil to defy his father. At first he told Neil to talk to his father about acting in the play, but when Neil came back and said he had talked to his father, Keating could tell he was lying. Though Keating knew he was lying, he encouraged Neil to act in the play anyway, which was probably a situation he shouldn t have gotten involved in. These minor flaws among a couple others kept Mr. Keating from being the hero of the film.
For the main part of the movie, Neil was a hero. From the beginning when he organized the dead poet s society he was the figure of a leader. He acted in the play against his fathers will, because it was something he would enjoy doing, but in the end, he took his own life. This was a way to get back at his parents, but it was the easy way out and not a very noble act. He could have kept fighting for his own will instead of ending any chance he might have had at shaping his future.
Todd Anderson acted nobly throughout the movie and had the heart of a true hero. The defining action making him the hero of the movie was when he instigated the salute to Keating at the end. He went from a docile student to a brave leader. The fact that he overcame internal struggles as well as external ones proved him the number one hero.
346
Другие работы по теме:
Bruce Daw
– Consumerism Essay, Research Paper What does Bruce daw’s poetry say about consumerism and it’s influence on modern day society?Consumerism is a significant feature of modern society and the poet Bruce Dawe is highly critical of it’s negative influence.Throughout his work, Dawe sarcastically attacks the way in which people have been manipulated by the lore and appeal of consumerism.
Chance Essay Research Paper Heroes are a
Chance Essay, Research Paper Heroes are a product of a society?s perception of someone to be praised and adored. The definition of a hero is dependent on that society?s beliefs, laws and taboos.
Dead Poets As Tragic Drama Essay Research
Paper Dead Poets as Tragic Drama The character Neil in Dead Poets Society is a good example of a tragic hero. He is a character that is controlled by his passionate nature and by an insatiable desire to act in
Beowulf As The Bad Guy Essay Research
Paper Beowulf as The Bad Guy Beowulf is portrayed as the hero of the epic poem Beowulf (c1200), although he is in reality the villain. Throughout the poem the poet, who is unknown, believes Beowulf to be a hero because of his strength and loyalty to his people. However, his pursuit for heroic status was so dominating that it motivated his jealousy, selfishness and greed.
Beowulf Vs Bond Essay Research Paper James
Beowulf Vs. Bond Essay, Research Paper James Bond, created by Ian Flemming, shows the attributes of a modern hero: he is Intelligent, charismatic, attractive, and cool and collect at all times. Anything is justified in getting the job done, and he uses deception, trickery, and gadgets to surpass his opponents.
The Hero
’s Journey Essay, Research Paper There are eight steps a person must take to become a hero, most noticably an epic hero, in Greek Mythology. These eight steps are the call, the threshold, the challenges, the abyss, the transformation, the revelation, the atonement, and the return.
Greek Hero Essay Research Paper Greek Heros
Greek Hero Essay, Research Paper Greek Hero?s and Their Society The Greek heroes served society by demonstrating the morals and values of the Greek Gods in humanistic terms. All Greek heroes had similar characteristics and qualities. These qualities are an essential part of the hero?s make-up. Without them, the hero would not be able to overcome the challenges that life presented him.
Becoming A Heroic Person Essay Research Paper
BECOMING A HEROIC FIGURE Heroes have to consist of many things. They have to be brave, have good morals, and help out society in some way. These are only a few standards of becoming a hero. Someone can be a hero to someone else and not even know it. Not only can the big people be heroes, but the small ones as well. No matter what size or character one is he/she can become a hero.
Carpe Diem Essay Research Paper The phrase
Carpe Diem Essay, Research Paper The phrase carpe diem , Latin for seize the day , asserts that if one does not live life to the fullest, one does not live life at all. Applications of this adage are widespread among numerous literary works. A few of the many examples include the poetry of Emily Dickinson, the motion picture Dead Poet s Society , and Walt Whitman s Song of Myself.
Film Openings Essay Research Paper The opening
Film Openings Essay, Research Paper The opening scenes of a feature film can play a major role in establishing key elements that parallel throughout the rest of the film. The three key elements are settings, characters and plot. The film "Dead Poet’s Society" shall be used as an example throughout this essay.
Antigone Essay Research Paper AntigoneThere is still
Antigone Essay, Research Paper Antigone There is still a great debate on who is, in fact, the true hero in Sophocles Antigone. Many hold that it must be Antigone, herself; after all, the play does bear her name. But in actuality, Creon, not Antigone, is the true tragic hero. In order to determine whether of not Creon is the true tragic hero, one will first have to answer the question, What is a tragic hero? Aristotle, when discussing the nature of such a hero in his theory of drama, states that such a hero is neither purely innocent nor purely evil.
The Hero Essay Research Paper The hero
The Hero Essay, Research Paper The hero is something more than out conscious ideal. He is also our sometimes conscious, sometimes unconscious dream. He represents not only what we value in the external world, the world beyonf ourselves, but what we value in ourselves, in that inner world of our minds or psyches.
Emerson And The Poet Essay Research Paper
Ralph Waldo Emerson states in The Poet the question, which is what is the poet? He says that all men express their feelings, but what makes a poet is that he has more ability to express his own. For example, a poet would express the beauty of nature well, while men who are less expressive cannot give nature the worth it should be given, related to reality of course.
Heroes Essay Research Paper Many of our
Heroes Essay, Research Paper Many of our heroes today are characterized by their tremendous strength, or their romantic appeal, but I believe that a hero should not be characterzed by these qualities, but rather what they d with them. What we do with our qualities is what makes the difference between a hero and an ordinary person.
Heroism In Sir Gawain And The Green
Knight And Beowulf Essay, Research Paper Heroism in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Night A hero, according to Webster’s New World Dictionary, is someone who commits an act of remarkable bravery or who has shown great courage, strength of character, or another admirable quality. He is looked up to for the brave and noble things he has done.
The Love Of Lesbos Essay Research Paper
The Love of Lesbos Poetry is a form feelings, thoughts, and opinions. However, many times in writing a poem, the poet reveals much more than just his or her emotions. Society’s beliefs and personalities are often portrayed. The poem “He Is More Than A Hero” by Sappho shows that Ancient Greek culture valued of love.
Compare And Contrast Of Mr. Perry And
Mr. Keating From “Dead Poet’s Society” Essay, Research Paper The movie ?Dead Poet?s Society? launches the viewer into the world of several boys who learn from a non-traditional teacher in a traditional school. Throughout the movie several conflicts appear between several of the major characters. One of the main conflicts begins with two characters that only meet each other twice during the film.
The Epic Story Of Beowulf Essay Research
Paper In the epic story of Beowulf, the hero is Beowulf. He shows physical strength in the story by defeating Grendel. In line 219 of Grendel?s mother, it tells how Beowulf killed her. ??cut it through, broke bones and all.? His strength is also told in line 213 of how he ?lifted the sword that was so massive that no ordinary man could lift.? Beowulf?s determination, or his will to win, was throughout the story, even up until his death.
Willy Loman The Modern Tragic Hero Essay
, Research Paper A tragic hero is known to be the protagonist who causes his own downfall, is seen as greater than the average man, and is aware of his misfortune. In Arthur Miller?s Death of
Determine A Friend Essay Research Paper determine
Determine A Friend Essay, Research Paper determine a friend Finding out who someone really is can be a very difficult thing to do. Knowing who some one is inside and out takes time and dedication. I learned that there are a few key factors when getting to know who some one really is. Character determination of a friend can be based on three things, honesty, trust, conflicts, and how they are resolved .
Carpe Diem Dead Poet Society Essay Research
Paper Carpe diem Carpe Diem; seize the day capture it by the ears. Dead poets society the movie focuses on this phrase. Suck the marrow out of life according to Mr. Keaton this phrase meant to not ever let a day pass with out you. Problems such as death of a student Neil Perry, the expulsion and Keaton fired were all the bad things that happened because of carpe diem.
Tragic Heros Essay Research Paper Romeo and
Tragic Heros Essay, Research Paper Romeo and Juliet Essay: Tragic Heroes Romeo is a tragic hero because he fought and did everything he did to be with Juliet but it still didn?t work out and he ended up killing himself to be with Juliet, then finding she wasn?t dead just as he had drunken the poison. Then Juliet saw her dead Romeo and killed herself with a dagger.
Poet
’s Use Of Mockery As Diction In Poem Essay, Research Paper Poet’s Use of Mockery As Diction in Poem Tom Dinkel The poet’s use of mockery as diction conveys his disillusioned attitude
The Epic Hero Beowulf Thesis Essay Research
Paper The Epic Hero Beowulf An epic is a long narriative peom about the adventures of a legendary or historic hero. The hero is a figure is high social status, one with great strenght or ability, and historical importance. There are many characteristics one must demonstrate ti be considered an epic hero. An epic hero is a brave and courageous warrior, admired for his achievements and courageous qualities.
Antigone Creon As The Tragic Hero Essay
, Research Paper Creon as the Tragic Hero In Antigone written by Sophocles, Creon is the tragic hero. Creon is the tragic hero because of his error in judgement, stubborn way of ruling Thebes, his change, and all the tragedy brought on by his actions. Although Creon changed only when a
Hero In America Essay Research Paper Hero
Hero In America Essay, Research Paper Hero in america” and he saved the day, got his girl and everyone lived happily ever after.” Sweet, short, cut and dry, that was the typical ending of our childhood books and early movies. There was the perfect hero and the bad villain. That was in the pre-modern era, now our hero isn t always perfect and has his flaws.
Surreptitious Odysseus Essay Research Paper When The
Surreptitious Odysseus Essay, Research Paper When The Odyssey was written, the Greek poet Homer defines his main character, Odysseus, as a great war hero. As the story progresses, Odysseus is many things other than the average warrior on a long, perilous journey home. One outstanding characteristic of this not so typical man is his wiliness.
Who Is A Hero Essay Research Paper
Who Is A Hero? Who is a hero? What are the qualities of a hero? Are there any heroes left? These questions are actually the basis for this essay. Even though most of them can be answered by
Hero Essay Research Paper 12201English
Hero Essay, Research Paper 1/22/01 English Hahn Hero Hero, person admired for bravery, great deeds, or noble qualities. -Thorndike Barnhart Dictionary. These are just three qualities and characteristics of a hero of the many. James Fenimore Cooper s hero is from the wilderness and a hero from the past. It is insinuated in his stories Cooper s hero will be a hero no matter what.
The Dead Poet That Kill Himself (A
Response To _Dead Poet’s S Essay, Research Paper The movie Dead Poet’s Society raises an interesting question: When educating teen-agers, is it better to use the school’s policy of Tradition, Honor, Discipline, and Excellence or Mr. Keating’s philosophy of carpe diam (seize the day)? Mr. Keating believed that people should “suck the marrow out of life” and live like a free thinking person even at the young age of seventeen.
Beowulf Essay Research Paper HeroesWhat is a
Beowulf Essay, Research Paper Heroes What is a hero? Webster?s Dictionary defines a hero as someone who is admired for his achievements and qualities. The question is, does this definition
MY HERO Essay Research Paper TO ME
MY HERO Essay, Research Paper TO ME A HERO IS A PERSON WHO HELPS A LIFE. NOT NECESSARILY SAVE IT… BUT AFFECT IT IN A SPECIAL WAY. TO ME THIS PERSON IS MY FATHER.
Aurora Leigh Essay Research Paper Aurora LeighThe
Aurora Leigh Essay, Research Paper Aurora Leigh The story “Aurora Leigh” is the story of a fictional woman poet. This story was Elizabeth Barret Browning’s greatest achievement. This was the first major poem in English Literature in which the heroine, just like the author was a woman writer. This story had a lot to do with Aurora as a rising poet in a society that did not except woman as artists.