Final worksheet Dead Poets Society

Final worksheet Dead Poets Society:

a     Discuss possible theme/s

We think the following themes could be:

- Friendships
- Free thinkers
- Individualism

- Conformity

b      What is “The Dead Poets’ Society” and what does it represent?

The Dead Poets’ Society is a club where the boys read works of famous dead poets. It gives the boys a kind of understanding how to become free thinkers.

The Dead Poets Society represent a club where the boys can be themselves, and learn things that can help them to become more individual.

c       What did the name mean? (Dead poets' society)

The Dead poets' society’s name means that you are reading works of dead poets.

d      Discuss the battle between conformity and individuality for the main characters, as well as for John Keating.

The battle is between Keating and Nolan, where Nolan represents conformity and Keating represents individuality. Keating teaches the boys how to become more individual and enjoy their lives.

In the beginning of the storyline the boys are conquered by conformity but a little by little they become more individual. For example in the end of the story all the boys are standing on their desks in silent salute for Mr. Keating´s leaving.

e      This book/story does not answer any questions. It provides choices: Comment on this.

One choice is to go the individual way and the other is the more strict and conformity way.

We think the book very well represents the differences between conformity and individuality, and it shows how the boys fight for their individuality against parents and the school system.
 

f.      Here are several key phrases from the book. Discuss their meaning:

We are food for worms: (It means that we will all die one day)

The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse (It means you have to make choices in you life that make your identity).

Only in their dreams can men truly be free. T’was always thus and always thus shall be (In you dreams can you do what you want and you are not conquered to any rules or limits).

I want you to find your own way to walk (It means that you have to make you own decisions in your life to achieve your goals).

Sucking the marrow out of life does not mean choking on the bone
(It means that you have to focus on the most important and essence of life).

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may (It means that you have to take advantage of life while you are young).

Make your lives extraordinary (It means that you should be different and be individual and that you need to do something special in your life).

O Captain My Captain (It is a person who you look up to)

g)

“So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys - to woo women - and, in that endeavor, laziness will not do. It also won’t do in your essays.”

Without using the word very, how can you say:

Very afraid = fearful, frightened

Very angry = mad

Very old = elderly

Very tasty = delicious

Very large = colossal

Find at least 3 more of your own choice

Very small = atomic, micro

Very smart = genius

Very ugly = awful