DEAD POETS SOCIETY & CATCHER IN THE RYE

MY FAVORITE LINES FROM THE MOVIE

Savor words and language; words and ideas can change the world

We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute, we read and write poetry because we are members of the human race, and the human race is filled with passion.

Poetry, beauty, romance, love -- these are what we stay alive for

Let poetry work its magic

We didn’t just read poetry, we let it drip from our tongues like honey; spirits soared, women swooned, and gods were created.

Language was developed for one endeavor and that is to woo women

A man isn’t very tired, he is exhausted; don’t say very sad, say morose

We must constantly look at things in a different way

When you read, don’t just consider what the author thinks, consider what you think

Strive to find your own voice; dare to strike out and find new ground

Sometimes the most beautiful poetry can be about simple things – a cat or a flower or rain

Poetry can come from anything with the stuff of revelation in it

Don’t let your poems be ordinary

Say the first thing that pops into your mind even if it’s total gibberish; describe what you see, now give it an action

Mr. Keating: I always thought the purpose of education was to teach one to think for himself
Mr. Nolan: No John, tradition, discipline, prepare them for college and the rest will take care of itself
Will the rest take care of itself? Should teachers be concerned with “the rest” – developing independent thinkers

There is a time for daring and there is a time for caution; a wise man understands which is called for

ESSAY & DISCUSSION IDEAS

* Teenagers – some things never change (Holden 1948-50; Dead Poets guys, 1959-60; you guys 2010s)

* The role of adults in the lives of teenagers (parents, teachers)

* Lies – compare/contrast the lies Holden tells to the lie Neil tells – purpose, consequence, situation, etc.

* Taking risks

* Pressures

* Are both boys “trapped” for similar reasons?

* Conformity – we all have a great need for acceptance but you must trust that your beliefs are unique; your own; even though others may think them odd or unpopular

* Loss; loneliness

* Who or what is the cause of each boy’s “fall”?

* Who is more heroic, the boy who wants to die nobly for a cause or the boy who lives humbly for one? (see passage on pages 186-188 in Catcher/ Mr. Antolini chapter)

* Unorthodox teaching vs. traditional modes of teaching – Do we need more teachers like Mr. Keating?

* The irony in both stories – particularly at the end.

Assignment:
In-class essay comparing and contrasting Catcher in the Rye and Dead Poets Society. Select a topic/point of comparison which will allow you to develop meaningful insights about both works, their connections, and their points of divergence. Go beyond the obvious (Both are set in private boarding schools); reach for the significances (Similar settings, of private boys’ boarding schools, convey a repressive atmosphere against which the boys rebel—with diverging consequences). You may use the above ideas for inspiration but are also welcome to develop your own ideas.

Before class: decide on your topic, develop a thesis, and plan your structure (outline).While I won’t be checking these items as a separate assignment, thoughtful planning will aid you in writing a higher quality essay in class.

On in-class-essay day: you may use handwritten notes on the film, your Catcher grids if they’re helpful, and your prewriting.