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Please spend the next two weeks discussing the 9 questions. You are required to
respond to only two questions each week, and you also must respond to the
commentaries of two other classmates each week.
Thread 1:
Multiple times we see a flock of ducks. Discuss what you think this symbol
means.
Thread 2:
The revived Dead Poets meet in the cave three times. Describe the significance
of what happens each meeting and any pattern you note among these three cave
scenes.
Thread 3:
At multiple places I the dialogue, the word dead (or one of its word forms, like
death) is used. Why does this verbal death imagery occur so often, and what is
its significance?
Thread 4:
What is the significance of Mr. Keating whistling the 1812 Overture? He
does this on more than one occasion.
Thread 5:
Todd and Neil are frequently together as a pair, unlike any of the other
students. They sit next to each other when Charlie answers the phone call from
God; they are standing next to each other with Neil leaning on Todd while Knox
uses the pay phone to call Chris; Neil takes Todd’s poem on his notepad and they
chase each other in circles; Neil takes an interest in Todd’s depression on his
birthday. Why? These are not the only instances.
Thread 6:
Why are Todd and Neil the only two students whom we know are roommates? We
never are told whom all the other students room with—but for one exception.
Thread 7:
A pattern emerges in the film regarding Todd being the last to do something.
One example is that he is the last student to stand upon Keating’s desk. Todd
is the last student in class to “recite” his poem; Todd is also the last person
to be accepted into the revived Dead Poets Society club. There are several
other instances of Todd being the last at something. What are these events?
What is the significance of each of these? And what is the significance of this
pattern now that you are aware of it?
Thread 8:
Several times, we see shadows or even silhouettes of characters. Identify these
scenes and discuss why the director, Peter Weir, chooses to shoot the scenes
this way.
Thread 9:
Identify and discuss as many symbols as you can locate and debate their meaning
by interpreting their significance.
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