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Dead Poets Society

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Dead Poets Society
„Dead Poets Society“ by N. H. Kleinbaum, based on the film by Tom Schulman
A word document by Liên Ferreira

About the author, Nancy H. Kleinbaum: * Graduated from the Medill School of Journalism * Former newspaper reporter and editor * Lives in New York * Born in 1948

About the film: * The book is based on the motion picture from Touchstone Pictures * Produced by Steven Haft, Paul Junger Witt and Tony Thomas * The book is based on the motion picture written by Tom Schulman * Directed by Peter Weir * Made in 1989

Genre of the book: * A novel

Time and setting: * The book takes place at Welton Academy, a private school only for boys. It is a very strict school which follows the rules, or the key to success (how they call it) of the four pillars: tradition, honor, discipline and excellence. We are told that the Welton Academy is the best preparatory school in the United States. * The book and also the film are played in the year 1959.

The four pillars: * Tradition: “Tradition […] is the love of school, country and family. Our tradition at Welton is to be the best!” (Richard Cameron, page 4 line 14 ff.) * Honor: “Honor is dignity and the fulfillment of duty!” (George Hopkins, page 4 line 6) * Discipline: “Discipline is respect for parents, teachers, and headmaster. Discipline comes from within.” (Knox Overstreet, page 5 line 3 f.) * Excellence: “Excellence is the result of hard work. […]. Excellence is the key to all success, in school and everywhere.” (Neil Perry, page 5 line 14 ff.)

The main characters:
John Keating: * Energetic; charismatic personality * Show the boys what real poetry is about * He shows tem the beauty of living and doing what you love * Wants to be called “O Captain! My Captain!” * Used to be part of the Dead Poets Society
Todd Anderson: * Very shy at the beginning; doesn’t say anything * Mad at his parents because they want him to become

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