May
21
ELA B10: May 21 Dead Poets Society viewing…
- To my surprise and pleasure, everyone was finished their questions and seemed to have well-considered responses. We talked briefly about the decision of the main character in the story who decided to let the teacher fend for himself the second time. It seemed right of him to help the teacher the first time, but when it was clear the teacher didn’t use that help or seem to be able to help himself, it seemed right to let the man handle the situation on his own, which inevitably leads to his quitting. Again, it makes it clear that not all decisions are clearcut or easy to make.
- In line with the plot of that story, the movie the students started watching today is also set in a school setting. The teacher, this time, is quite capable – actually very capable! He somehow is able to inspire his students to dream, live life fully, and set outside their boundaries. The consequences of some of the boys’ decisions, though, turn out badly. In watching the movie, I’ve asked the students of this class to watch for decisions and consequences and try to mentally make a note of who is ultimately responsible for the consequences that will come. Robin Williams plays the teacher in the movie, Dead Poets Society.
I’ll be away tomorrow so they will continue watching it with their sub. We will discuss it on Tuesday when we’re all back from Outlook’s track and field on Monday.This scene of the movie is quite an important and inspiring one. See if you feel moved the way the boys do?