Dead Poets Society
A scene from the film: Dead Poets Society
Themes that are covered in this film clip: Knowing Yourself & Thinking Independently
Before you view this clip
Are you familiar with the plot of the movie, The Dead Poet’s Society? Here’s a bit of background for you:
An unorthodox English teacher in a private prep school both challenges and inspires his young students to think for themselves and live life to the fullest. His motto for them is simple, yet life-changing: Carpe diem, or “Seize the day!” This 1989 film from Touchstone Studios and Buena Vista Pictures is directed by Peter Weir, written by Tom Schulman and stars Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Norman Lloyd, and Ethan Hawke.
Some Questions for Discussion After Viewing the Film Clip
- What are some of your experiences of people in your life that follow their own rules?
- Is there ever a time that people can really feel, “I don’t care what others think. This is what I think and what I am going to do.”?
- Think of what you learned so far about Upstander behavior. How can you practice upstander behavior in a way that lets you be yourself and respect other peoples’ differences at the same time?
- What are some examples from other movies or TV programs that you’ve seen or books that you have read that show people thinking independently?
Moving to Take Action
- Try to follow this idea for one day:
Just today
In one small way
Know it’s okay
To be just the way you are! - Why do we find ourselves conforming to others? How important is it to fit in with the crowd? What do we think of someone who chooses not to participate at all?
