Dead Poets Society Essay Example
English Written Assignment
Dead Poets Society
1. Describe Todd Anderson’s development – what is he like in the beginning and how does he change? How important is Todd as a character in the story? (75+ words)
At first, Todd is quit and has not much to say. He is shy and scared of participating in class and reading out loud. He is also intimidated and terrified that what he might say is pointless and unintelligent. This troubles him, since he is the youngest of his family and told that he has “big shoes to fill”, being the younger brother of a former successful student at Welton.
Todd’s worst fear is that his life has no meaning, and he constantly feels worthless and embarrassed. For instance, in chapter 8, after being told to write a poem, Todd tells Mr. Keating that he did not complete the assignment, when he actually had spent a long time writing his poem only to have thrown it away before class, because he believed that it was not good enough. This is a prime example of Todd’s struggle and how his insecurity takes over him. However, Mr. Keating ignores his fear and makes him yawp, and afterward he makes him say everything that comes to his mind. This is how Todd started to grow.
I think that Todd is a very important character, as he is the only student who discovers Mr. Keating’s message of passion being the reason to stay alive, by talking about “the sweaty-toothed madman”. Todd comes out of his shell and learns to be passionate and to control it. Furthermore, he is also the one that goes through the biggest change, in his character.
By the end of the story, Todd has found the confidence by proving to himself and others that he can stand up and express himself when it really matters. Nevertheless, Todd is also the first to stand on the desk in respect for Mr. Keating and to speak out in protest.
2. Discuss who is responsible for Neil’s suicide? Mr Keating? Neil’s father? Neil himself?
(75+ words)
I think that both Neil’s father
Dead Poets Society
1. Describe Todd Anderson’s development – what is he like in the beginning and how does he change? How important is Todd as a character in the story? (75+ words)
At first, Todd is quit and has not much to say. He is shy and scared of participating in class and reading out loud. He is also intimidated and terrified that what he might say is pointless and unintelligent. This troubles him, since he is the youngest of his family and told that he has “big shoes to fill”, being the younger brother of a former successful student at Welton.
Todd’s worst fear is that his life has no meaning, and he constantly feels worthless and embarrassed. For instance, in chapter 8, after being told to write a poem, Todd tells Mr. Keating that he did not complete the assignment, when he actually had spent a long time writing his poem only to have thrown it away before class, because he believed that it was not good enough. This is a prime example of Todd’s struggle and how his insecurity takes over him. However, Mr. Keating ignores his fear and makes him yawp, and afterward he makes him say everything that comes to his mind. This is how Todd started to grow.
I think that Todd is a very important character, as he is the only student who discovers Mr. Keating’s message of passion being the reason to stay alive, by talking about “the sweaty-toothed madman”. Todd comes out of his shell and learns to be passionate and to control it. Furthermore, he is also the one that goes through the biggest change, in his character.
By the end of the story, Todd has found the confidence by proving to himself and others that he can stand up and express himself when it really matters. Nevertheless, Todd is also the first to stand on the desk in respect for Mr. Keating and to speak out in protest.
2. Discuss who is responsible for Neil’s suicide? Mr Keating? Neil’s father? Neil himself?
(75+ words)
I think that both Neil’s father