Dead Poets Society Scene Analysis

The setting of the scene is very important to the on going theme of this film. The scene is about Professor Keating teaching the boys the lesson of conformity, and teaching them that they can think for themselves and do not always have to follow the herd. This is what makes the setting of the scene so important. The scene is set in the courtyard of Welton Academy, and shows the students breaking conformity where it is most prominent in their lives. Professor Keating is teaching the boys to think for themselves, at a place where it is almost considered a sin. It is very important that the scene was carried out in this area as it shows the boys breaking the cycle of conformity exactly where it is most present.

The only dialogue in the scene, …show more content…
This scene has major impact on the boys, as this is one of the first times they learn and begin to think for themselves. This scene had major contribution to character development with many of the main protagonists now making their own decisions. This powerful message from Mr Keating helped the boys to think for themselves which contributed to the boys joining Dead Poets Society, Charlie writing the article in the school paper and Neil attempting to fulfil his dream of becoming an actor. This scene helped the boys gain their own personality and gave them the opportunity to do what they wanted to do and say what they wanted to …show more content…
Charlie stands out from the group of bystanders as he is the only one not wearing a jumper with long sleeves. Charlie is also the only one with his cufflinks rolled up. To add to his relax/rebellion nature when Professor Keating asks for the whole class to walk around Charlie chooses not to and tells Keating that he is "exercising the right no to walk". All of these aspects contribute towards Charlie's character being seen as one of the leaders and one who can stand on his own two feet. All these elements contribute to the side of rebellion in him, showing that he is one who identifies conformity and may be the first person to break it.

If you look closely at the camera techniques you can see that while Professor Keating is talking to the boys, the camera never focuses solely on Mr Keating, but more on the students. The purpose of this technique is to draw attention to the students. This is due to the scene not being about Professor Keating, but about the impact which his words will have on the students. The scene is about the boys learning to think for themselves and understanding the constant cycle of