Name: _______________________________

Ms. Gokturk/Composition

 

The Dead Poet’s Society DAY THREE

Please answer the questions each evening after viewing the film.  If you are absent, it is your responsibility to see Ms. Biscaro (AV lady) in the library to schedule viewings.

 

DAY THREE

 Please answer on loose-leaf.

 

  1. Who is the hero of the film? Give three possibilities and explain them. You may use the definitions of tragic hero, modern hero, anti-hero.[*]
  2. Give 3-5 examples of characters who "carpe diem" (seize the day) in the film. Explain with detail from the film. 
  3. Find 3-5 examples of rebellion and 3-5 examples of conformity in this segment of the film.
  4. Is Keating a good teacher? Give three reasons he is and three reasons he isn’t.
  5. Reaction.  Who is responsible for the tragedy?  [There might be more than one guilty party.] Explain your position by thinking back to the entire film.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


[*] TRAGIC HERO

A character of noble birth who experiences a downfall because of a fatal character flaw (often hubris, or excessive pride) or because of a terrible choice.  The tragic hero’s suffering appears to exceed his crime, which causes the audience to feel catharsis. 

 

MODERN HERO

The modern hero, rather than falling calamitously from a high position, begins the story appearing to be an ordinary, average person. He or she is victim of his/her society.  The modern hero's story does not require the protagonist to have the traditional catharsis to bring the story to a close. He may die without an epiphany of his destiny and he may suffer without the ability to change events that are happening to him. The story may end without closure and even without the death of the hero.

 

ANTI HERO

Principal character in a play or novel who exhibits qualities the opposite of those usually regarded as heroic. This main character is characterized by a lack of traditional heroic qualities, such as idealism or courage. He or she displays faults and is unsympathetically portrayed.  An anti-hero is a central or supporting character that has some of the personality flaws traditionally assigned to villains but nonetheless also has enough heroic qualities or intentions to gain the sympathy of readers or viewers. Anti-heroes can be awkward, obnoxious, passive, pitiful, or obtuse; but they are always, in some fundamental way, flawed or failed heroes.