ENG 2D1
Story
Element
Story

Setting
Plot
Central Conflict
SHORT STORY UNIT
Dead Poets Society
Welton Academy – Private all-boy’s prep school, United States. Probably in New England or on the east coast
somewhere.
1950s
Boys start their school year, meet new unconventional English teacher.
Neil has a run-in with his dad
Knox falls in love at first sight with Kris (who is dating Chet Danbury)
Todd is shy and a bit scared
The boys hear about the dead poets society from Mr. Keating and decide to restart it.
Charlie Daulton changes his name to Nuwanda and writes a controversial article in the school newspaper in the
name of the Dead Poets
Knox goes to Kris’ party and gets drunk, touches sleeping Kris’ hair, gets his butt kicked by Chet
Neil becomes an actor behind his father’s back
Dad finds out, tells him to quit. Mr. Keating tells him to tell his Dad how he feels. Neil lies to his Dad and Mr.
Keating.
Neil’s Dad takes him home from the performance (where Neil was great) and tells him he’s going to military
school.
Neil kills himself and Neil’s dad blames Mr. Keating.
School also blames Mr. Keating and kids are forced to sign a document saying it’s all Keating’s fault.
In other news… Knox and Kris go on a date. (to the play)
Mr. Keating is fired but the Boys pay tribute to his legacy by standing on their desks.
Person vs. Person – Neil vs. his Dad, Knox vs. Chet (he loses, then wins)
Person vs. Self – Todd and his shyness, Knox and his love for Kris
Person vs. Society – Mr. Keating vs. traditional education, Boys vs. traditional ideas or success
Main
Characters
Neil Perry, Knox Overstreet, Charlie Daulton, Todd Anderson, Steven Meeks, Pitts, Cameron, Mr. Keating, Kris
Structure
Traditional Triangular structure
Initial complication: Mr. Keating inspires the boys to restart the dead poet’s society
Climax: When Neil lies to Mr. Keating and his Father – or perhaps when he kills himself.
Theme
Love/Romance, Loyalty, Dreams, Power of Language
Point of View
Film – third person
Style
Doesn’t really apply…