The death of Neil Perry is a case most detectives dream of investigating because of the limited number of suspects responsible. Many arguments can be contrived that point to Mr. Perry, Mr. Keating, and even Neil as responsible for the suicide. Mr. Perry’s abrasive attitude and strict control over every aspect of Neil’s life evidently present him as a top suspect. To understand why Mr. Keating is also to blame, one must first examine the influential power his teaching had on his students, especially Neil Perry. Lastly, even though Neil is the victim, his new willingness to pursue what he seeks in life leads him to take daring risks opposing the stringent commands and limitations of his father. In the case of Neil Perry’s suicide, Neil himself …show more content…
Keating, compared to the only two living suspects, should receive less of the blame for Neil Perry’s death. John Keating, Neil’s poetry and literature teacher, glorified preaching to his students to view the world as a sandbox that can be changed and influenced by their lives. To quote Mr. Keating, “That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?” This connection of poetry towards life affects the boys incredibly considering the recent recommence of the Dead Poet Society meetings. Keating also values his universal lesson of “Carpe Diem” or “Seize the Day” as inspiration to defy the standards of conformity. In Neil’s circumstance, his way of “Carpe Diem” was to become an actor, a dream pursued for years but never created a reality. Mr. Keating is a relevant suspect in this case, but probably not first to blame for Neil Perry’s …show more content…
Perry, the father and practically the supreme dictator of Neil, is the number one suspect responsible for Neil’s death. Mr. Perry’s brute personality and excessive control over Neil’s life early on in the film clearly portrays when Neil’s grudge and hatred towards his father first spawns. After a confrontation between Neil and his father outside his dorm room about removing Neil from the school annual, many of Neil’s friends gather around him and ask why he didn’t just say “No” to his father, inferring the task is easy and effortless. Neil denies their suggestion without even pondering the outcomes replying that their advice is basically fruitless. Later on, as Neil prepares for the upcoming play “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream” in which he plays the lead character “Puck”, Mr. Perry finds out about him being in the play and orders him to resign his role. Neil, although heartbroken by the lack of support by his own father, does the play and is heavily applauded for his performance at the end. However, Mr. Perry shows up to the play most likely to make sure his son followed his commands. Powerfully angered by the disobedience of his son, Mr. Perry storms out of the theater painfully gripping Neil’s arm dragging him past Mr. Keating and his friends into his