Hitler is argued to be one of the greatest of leaders in the history of mankind and this is astonishing as his single weapon was words. Who would ever guess that this person known as a "strange and small man" could slaughter 6 million Jews through the power of his words. Through his indoctrination, he was able to get a whole nation to hate the Jews. He knew very well that he needed to eradicate any other view besides his own, which he did through the burning of anti-Nazi books as displayed in The Book Thief. This event would stop the Jews "reading into their minds" and consequently force people to trust the only viewpoint exposed to them, being that of Hitler. He correctly stated "I will not have to fire a gun, I will not need to" because he …show more content…
Before the arrival of Mr Keating, Todd is a shy and nervous boy with a most prominent stutter. He refuses to read to an audience and it takes a lot of convincing from Neil Perry for him to join the newly re-established Dead Poet's Society club after he discovers some of its activities involve every member reading out aloud. Todd constantly feels overshadowed by his older brother's numerous outstanding achievements at Welton Academy and therefore doubts his abilities when Mr Keating gives the class an assignment to write their own poems. Through Mr Keating's encouragement, a poetic genius is unleashed from within Todd. Todd finally gains the confidence to speak up and he loses his stutter. Contarary to his prior mannerisms, he is the first boy to stand up on his desk and express his gratitude to Mr Keating by saying “Oh Captain, My Captain” in the final scene of the film. In addition to Todd, Knox is invited for dinner at the Danberry's where he falls in love Chris, the most beautiful girl he has set his eyes upon. Much to Knox’s disappointment, she is engaged to a football jerk, Chet. This does not stop Knox as Mr Keating's lessons of "Carpe Diem", or in other words "seize the day", have a profound impact on Knox and he starts to live by this phrase. Knox chases Chris and does not give up on her. He goes to Chris's school, which is a very bold …show more content…
He says that Neil should not be distracted by extra-mural activities, such as writing for the school's newspaper or acting, but rather focus on his academics so that he can "go to Harvard and become a doctor". After Mr Keating's classes inspire Neil to be an unique individual and take control over the life he owns, Neil furtively pursues his passion for acting behind his father's back. Although under firm instructions from Mr Perry that he is not to act in the Midsummer Night's Dream play, Neil takes Mr Keating's advice and ignores his father's orders. This in turn, makes Mr Perry extremely angry and he punishes Neil by pulling him out of Welton and placing him in a military school, to regain focus. Neil cannot come to terms with this horrible news and comes to the conclusion that the only way to take control of his life, is to end his own life. It is therefore, Mr Keating's cultivation to free the boys minds that ultimately costs Neil his