Inspired by Mr. Keating's philosophy of life, many of his students recreate the “Dead Poet's Society”, a secret club which meets in a cave in order to discuss poetry, philosophy and other topics. The club, which Mr. Keating had created many years earlier when he was a student at Welton, would be completely unacceptable to the conservative school, which discourages students from "thinking for themselves." Welton students are just permitted to stay in their rooms, studying only the prescribed materials that their teachers assign. As the death of Neil, the foundation of Dead Poets Society is revealed, and Keating is fired from Welton and is forced to leave without any severance pay or letter of recommendation to teach at any other public or private school in the state. As Keating about to exit the classroom, Todd finally breaks through his cowardice and self-pity and calls out, "O Captain! My Captain!" and then stands on top of his desk and faces Keating to salute his former teacher. Nolan (headmaster) warns Todd to sit down or face expulsion, but Todd does not obey him, still stands on the desk. Meanwhile, one by one, Knox, Steven, Gerard, and all of the members of the Dead Poets Society, except for Cameron and one or two other students, climb onto their desks and face Keating, saying “O Captain! My
Inspired by Mr. Keating's philosophy of life, many of his students recreate the “Dead Poet's Society”, a secret club which meets in a cave in order to discuss poetry, philosophy and other topics. The club, which Mr. Keating had created many years earlier when he was a student at Welton, would be completely unacceptable to the conservative school, which discourages students from "thinking for themselves." Welton students are just permitted to stay in their rooms, studying only the prescribed materials that their teachers assign. As the death of Neil, the foundation of Dead Poets Society is revealed, and Keating is fired from Welton and is forced to leave without any severance pay or letter of recommendation to teach at any other public or private school in the state. As Keating about to exit the classroom, Todd finally breaks through his cowardice and self-pity and calls out, "O Captain! My Captain!" and then stands on top of his desk and faces Keating to salute his former teacher. Nolan (headmaster) warns Todd to sit down or face expulsion, but Todd does not obey him, still stands on the desk. Meanwhile, one by one, Knox, Steven, Gerard, and all of the members of the Dead Poets Society, except for Cameron and one or two other students, climb onto their desks and face Keating, saying “O Captain! My