John Keating Analysis
Environmental description Wellton Academy and time
Wellton Academy, a prestigious, preparatory school for boys in Vermont, New England is according to headmaster Nolan one of the “best school[s] in the US”. The preparatory school is an expensive private school and its philosophy insists on four pillars. Discipline, honor, excellence and tradition are the values that influence the society in Wellton, being emphasized and taught to young pupils up to the age of 18, who are most likely heirs of “White Anglo-Saxan Protestants”. The forefathers of the “WASP”s immigrated to the United States of America coming from Great Britain, aiming for a monopoly on positions with prestige and influence. Therefore one is able to assume, that mostly rich people send their sons to Wellton Academy. Considering the time, the plot takes place in the late 50ies but is not affected by historical circumstances. Neither the outcome of the 2nd World War nor by the economical accretion of the United States, have an impact on the plot.
Analysis of John Keatings Behavior
Before one is able to interpret John Keating’s consciousness and his cognition, one need to understand and therefore analyze his behavior. In John Keating’s behavior lies a chronology of actions. Already in the first encounter with his new class, he builds up a strong identification with the group, knowing the expression “Hellton” and exposing that he was once a Wellton-student as well. He then articulates an appealing vision with the words “Carpe diem” inspiring his students to seize the day. One could say he uses strong and expressive forms for articulating the vision during his classes. He encourages and he empowers the followers to “find [their] own walk” in order to “make [their] life extraordinary”. During the plot he becomes important for his followers in terms of support, encouragement and he also stresses out that he intends to become their mentor.
Keating expresses the fact that he has high expectations
Wellton Academy, a prestigious, preparatory school for boys in Vermont, New England is according to headmaster Nolan one of the “best school[s] in the US”. The preparatory school is an expensive private school and its philosophy insists on four pillars. Discipline, honor, excellence and tradition are the values that influence the society in Wellton, being emphasized and taught to young pupils up to the age of 18, who are most likely heirs of “White Anglo-Saxan Protestants”. The forefathers of the “WASP”s immigrated to the United States of America coming from Great Britain, aiming for a monopoly on positions with prestige and influence. Therefore one is able to assume, that mostly rich people send their sons to Wellton Academy. Considering the time, the plot takes place in the late 50ies but is not affected by historical circumstances. Neither the outcome of the 2nd World War nor by the economical accretion of the United States, have an impact on the plot.
Analysis of John Keatings Behavior
Before one is able to interpret John Keating’s consciousness and his cognition, one need to understand and therefore analyze his behavior. In John Keating’s behavior lies a chronology of actions. Already in the first encounter with his new class, he builds up a strong identification with the group, knowing the expression “Hellton” and exposing that he was once a Wellton-student as well. He then articulates an appealing vision with the words “Carpe diem” inspiring his students to seize the day. One could say he uses strong and expressive forms for articulating the vision during his classes. He encourages and he empowers the followers to “find [their] own walk” in order to “make [their] life extraordinary”. During the plot he becomes important for his followers in terms of support, encouragement and he also stresses out that he intends to become their mentor.
Keating expresses the fact that he has high expectations
References: AntiRomantic.com. (2009) Dead Poets Society: Death of a Romantic. Internet. Changing Minds. (1985). Transformational Leadership. Internet. Accessed 07/11/09. Galbraith, J.K.(2006) Touchstone Pictures., re-released 2003 Shamir, B.,House, R.,and Arthures, M.(1993) Tucker, B. and Russell, R. (2004). The influence of the transformational leader. Internet. Accessed 28/10/09. Yukl, G.(2006)