Examples Of Mr Keating In The Dead Poets Society

The Death Of Neil Perry

As a teacher, Mr. Keating in The Dead Poet Society was a man who inspired his students to think for themselves, challenge the status quo, and seize the day. However, when one of his students, Neil Perry, tragically commits suicide, many people blamed Mr. Keating for his death. Yet, it is important to recognize that Mr. Keating is not responsible for Neil’s death, but rather, it was a combination of factors that contributed to this tragedy.

To begin with, Mr. Keating was not advocating for reckless behavior or disregard for authority. His teachings were focused on inspiring his students to think for themselves, question the status quo, and pursue their passions. He encouraged them to seize the day and make the most of their lives, but he never explicitly encouraged them to engage in dangerous behavior. For example, Mr. Keating says, “but

This quote is an example of the English teacher’s encouragement to the boys to follow their dreams, but he never tells the boys to be disobedient and reckless. Furthermore, when the boys do act out of line Mr. Keating puts the boys back into their place by telling them that there is a fine line between, “sucking the marrow out of life and choking on the bone”(Keating). Moreover, the boys in The Dead Poet Society were not children; they were young adults who were capable of making their own decisions. They were responsible for their own actions, and it is unfair to place the blame on Mr. Keating for their choices. Neil, in particular, was a talented actor who was passionate about his craft, and he made the decision to pursue his dream against his father’s wishes. While it is tragic that Neil took his own life, it is important to recognize that he made that choice himself.