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Lesson 4
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Sunil Pappu’s Lead Characters (4A)
“What I learned doing this assignment is…that it is hard to pinpoint the transformable characters of my story as it spans a lifetime, but I was able to identify them using the HOW TO questions. I also found a way to narrow down the betraying characters.”
1. THE TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY LOGLINE: A disillusioned Japanese teen diagnosed with acute respiratory disease feels emasculated and unpatriotic until the devastating war destroys his world and he seeks a mentor he can trust to find purpose and awaken to a life of meaning to actualize his mentor’s vision for world peace and annihilation of nuclear weapons.
2. THE CHANGE AGENT: The Mentor – Josei Toda
a. Their Vision: To create a world free of misery and nuclear weapons.
b. Past experience that fits that vision: Having been arrested alongside his mentor by the thought police for opposing the state religion of Japan under the Peace Preservation Law and losing his own mentor in jail, avowed to avenge his mentor’s death by rebuilding an organisation of ordinary people to empower youth to create a world that upholds human dignity while the Japanese nation struggled to rebuild after the war. Finally, making a declaration of nuclear abolition before his death to pass on the baton to more than 750,000 young successors and notable one youth in particular, Daisaku Ikeda to carry on his legacy.
3. TRANSFORMABLE CHARACTER (S): Japanese nation and Soka Gakkai members in particular
A nation that was broken and starving with young people without any hope was revitalized by the painstaking efforts of one youth who vowed to carry on his mentor’s legacy to build lasting peace. From just 3000 members when it started out to create a worldwide movement that spanned 192 countries and territories with more than 12 million members who voluntarily support and take action to actualize the vision in their daily lives.
4. THE OPPRESSION: Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood with the backing of the government
Arrogant priests who want to disrupt the unity of the lay organization constantly impose their arbitrary standards to restrict the members from working freely to help their families and societies while they themselves do not follow in their actions what they preach. Corrupt and greedy they were morally bankrupt.
5. BETRAYING CHARACTER (S): Soka Gakkai Attorney Masatomo Yamazaki; In collusion with: Soka Gakkai Vice President Genjiro Fukushima and Soka Gakkai Study Department Leader Takashi Harashima
Masatomo Yamazaki
In the early 1970s, the Soka Gakkai hired Yamazaki as an official legal advisor. While Yamazaki’s intentions initially appeared sincere, he neglected to make earnest, genuine efforts and thus began to view the Soka Gakkai as a place to further his personal ambitions. Yamawaki began to involve himself with the legal matters of Nichiren Shoshu, too, cultivating connections among the priesthood as a result. At the same time, he exploited his position as an attorney for personal financial gain and also started his own company. He stopped participating in Soka Gakkai activities and became motivated by greed and love of money.
After being informed of such incidents, Soka Gakkai leaders would meet with Yamazaki to reprimand him for his self-serving behavior. While on the surface, he would apologize and seem to self-reflect, in truth, he continued to distance himself from President Ikeda and the Soka Gakkai. He later colluded with corrupt and ossified Nichiren Shoshu priests in an attempt to oust Daisaku Ikeda from his position as Soka Gakkai president and take control of the Soka Gakkai.
Genjiro Fukushima
Fukushima was a member of another Nichiren Shoshu lay organization before joining the Soka Gakkai in 1960. He attended Tokyo University, the most prestigious university in Japan, and several years after graduation, was hired by the Soka Gakkai. At the time, Fukushima strove hard in his Soka Gakkai activities and displayed a high level of capability. Over time, however, he displayed an arrogance that had members questioning his real intentions.
President Ikeda was well aware of these tendencies, yet was determined that over time, through sticking with the Soka Gakkai, Fukushima would be able to overcome his arrogance.
He said of Fukushima: “If Samejima could continue his faith in earnest for 30 years, then he would gain mastery over himself and show wonderful proof of achieving human revolution. But if he was overtaken instead by ambition and tried to use the Soka Gakkai for his own objectives, in time he would leave the organization.”
Here, President Ikeda observes that people are not necessarily doomed to be evil simply because they have an arrogant or self-serving nature. Therefore, he belived that no one is destined to be evil. Rather, functioning as good or evil is our choice.
Over time, Fukushima revealed his intentions to undermine the Soka Gakkai. In early 1979, Fukushima, who was a Soka Gakkai vice president at the time, began speaking ill of the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood despite President Ikeda’s repeated attempts to resolve any misunderstandings with Nichiren Shoshu and forge unity.
Fukushima’s reckless statements caused the priesthood to demand that President Ikeda step down as Soka Gakkai president. And it was none other than Masatomo Yamazaki who delivered this message.
Fukushima was relieved of his position as Soka Gakkai vice president shortly following this incident. Losing his leadership position caused him to harbor a grudge against the organization. Not only did he leave the organization, he created his own newsletter to spread homespun lies about the Soka Gakkai in collaboration with Yamazaki and tabloid journalists.
Takashi Harashima
Yamazaki noticed a potential schism in another religious organization. He proposed, in discussion with disgruntled leaders from the group, that they start a new religious organization from which he intended to profit by helping to legally establish this new religious body. It was revealed later that Soka Gakkai Study Department Leader Takashi Harashima, who was under Yamazaki’s influence, helped draft the doctrine of this new religious body. Harashima also later betrayed the Soka Gakkai together with Yamazaki.
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Sunil Pappu’s Analysis of DEAD POETS SOCIETY (4B)
“What I learned doing this assignment is… how many gradient changes were there in the story to achieve this fantastic and profound film. It was a wonderful way to see this film as I have never seen it before in all the many times I watched it earlier. I have a more nuanced understanding now of the role of the change agent that could help me in developing my own story. The gradient of change astounded me as if each beat of the story was a gradient of change in itself.”
ANALYSIS OF DEAD POETS’ SOCIETY
We are looking at this movie from the perspective of the change that occurs for the lead character and the audience.
1. What is the change this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
From conformity to finding one’s individual voice.
At the very beginning, it sets out the four pillars of the school – Tradition, Honor, Discipline and Excellence – that it will destroy. Neil even mocks them as Travesty, Horror, Decadence and excrement.
2. Lead characters:
o Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
Mr John Keating – the new English teacher. His senior yearbook entry records: “Man most likely to do anything.”
His vision: To make his students free thinkers
His past experience: Besides his stellar record in school, he chose to teach because he loves it. He started a Dead Poet’s Society while in school and knows what the school can do to the students with its rigid rules and traditions. He has been through the journey that he wants his students to go on.
o Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
The inductees of the Dead Poet’s Society but mostly:
Todd Anderson – the shy new joinee in class who is terrified to open his mouth. He follows in the shadows of his elder brother and thinks he has nothing important to say and fears speaking in public. He creates an impromptu poem in class that delights everyone and, in the end, he leads the class in chanting O captain! My Captain while standing on the desk defying his principal Mr. Nolan.
Each of the others with the exception of Cameron all undergo a transformation in the end.
Niel Perry – from having no agency due to his father’s decision-making to defying him to follow his dream of acting and in the end taking his life so that his father can no longer live his dreams viciously through him.
Knox Overstreet – who is smitten by Chris, gives up on her because she is already engaged to a boy. He gathers the courage to call her and gets invited to a party where he kisses her forehead and gets punched in the face by her fiancé and threatened. He walks over to her class with a flower bouquet and a poem he’s written for her and makes a fool of himself. He wins her over in the end and she agrees to watch the play with him holding hands throughout.
Charlie Dalton – who is a rich kid with no real inclination to pursue his studies really sets the example for the rest of the class; inviting girls to join their club and even publishing an article in the school journal asking them to let girls enrol at Welton and mock calls god in the assembly when the principal threatens expulsion and takes the punishment without giving up names. He punches Cameron for snitching. He refuses to sign the statement and gets expelled.
o What is the Oppression?
The school’s conformity to its four pillars set a hundred years ago.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
Old Ways: It’s the best prep school in the US with a hundred-year-old tradition with a proven track record. Over 75% of the graduates join Ivy League colleges. That is why parents send their sons to study here.
How we connect: We all wish we attended prep schools like this or want to send our children to these schools. Kids dream of going to study at these prestigious schools all over the world. The old boys of such schools still hold onto the nostalgia, returning to their alma maters and even enrolling their children and several generations to these schools.
4. Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.”
Identify their old way: Every one of the students at these schools has a set path mostly decided in advance by their parents or guardians. They just have to conform to it and they will become successful lawyers, bankers, engineers or doctors.
Identify their new way at the conclusion: Everyone has a unique voice and they do not have to conform to any one way of doing things. Each of us needs to listen to our inner voice and live our life to the fullest by seizing the day – Carpe diem!
5. What is the gradient of change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
The gradient of Change:
Redefining their vision: Keating introduces them to the Latin phrase Carpe diem – Seize the day!
Shocking and unusual methods: ripping off pages of the prescribed textbook to poetry
Reversing stereotypes: He calls himself the intellectual equivalent of 98-pound weakling who had copies of Byron kicked in his face at the beach but then we find out he had a very impressive record at school – varsity team, editor of the school annual, dead poets society club an even thing man with the caption “Man most likely to do anything”
Reverse psychology: Goes down Amnesia lane and reminiscences about DPS but tells them to forget it as the school administration would never allow it.
Resurrecting the DPS – Perry decides to restart it and know the directions to Indian Cave.
Surprise: Keating expected them to go ahead and leaves a book “Five Centuries of Verse” with a note on how to start the DPS meetings
First DPS meeting: Everyone sneaks away at night to the Indian Cave and gathers for their first meeting breaking the rules
Class assignment: Todd writes and rewrites his poem while everyone else is engaged in extracurriculars like rowing, fencing, and even listening to rock music on the radio illegally while dancing on the terrace. He finally tears it up.
Football with a twist: Keating introduces a new sport – reading a verse before kicking the ball with music playing in the background on an old record player.
Todd overcomes his fear: Todd creates a very good impromptu poem with Keating’s help and overcomes his fear of public speaking.
Knox calls Chris and gets invited to a party: Overcoming his fear he dials her and she invites him to a party
Point of Conformity: Keating has them walk in the courtyard without conforming to others
Todd’s first unmanned flying desk set: Todd is encouraged by Neil to throw away his parent’s thoughtless birthday gift
Girls join DPS: Dalton brings girls to join the DPS club
Knox gets knocked out at the party: He seizes his moment and kisses Chris on the forehead and gets punched in the face by her fiancé Chet while she tries to stop him. Chet threatens to kill him.
Charlie publishes an article in the journal – Under the name of Dead Poets Dalton publishes an article asking for girls to be allowed to Welton.
A phone call from God – Principal threatens expulsion in a school assembly for the article but Charlie mock calls from god and mocks the principal.
Give up names or else– He takes the spanking but doesn’t reveal the names of the members in DPS
Principal Nolan makes a thinly veiled threat to Keating – He warns him of his unorthodox teaching methods
Keating warns the boys – don’t be stupid he tells Charlie and the boys. He does joke that it would have been daring if it were a “collect call from god”
Neil goes to the rehearsal – he writes a letter on behalf of his father to the principal. His father finds out from another parent and makes an unannounced visit. He threatens him to cancel his participation.
Neil confides in Keating – He tells him about his passion for acting. Keating tells him to convey the same to his father. He tells him he just can’t talk to his father that way. He feels trapped.
Knox brings flowers and a poem to Chris – He barges into Chris’s class to read his poem about Chris in front of the whole class and embarrasses her.
Neil lies about speaking to his dad – he tells Keating he spoke to him and he will get to do this play.
Chris warns Knox – Chris comes over to the boys’ dorm to warn Knox that Chet is out to kill him. He invites her to the play and she agrees. They hold hands during the play.
Neil’s father comes to the play – He stands near the door and asks to speak to Neil even as the crowd gives him a standing ovation for his performance and drags him out. He tells Keating to stay the hell away from his son.
Neil will go to Military school – Mr Perry tells Neil he is taking him out of Welton and will enrol him in a military school and then Harward and then a Doctor. Neil has something to say but says Nothing. Whispers to his mother that he was very good.
Neil kills himself – When his parents go to bed he takes out his dad’s revolver and shoots himself in his study.
Todd finds out – Todd blames Neil’s father and runs out into the snow screaming for Neil.
Keating cries in an empty classroom – he opens the book he lent to Neil that is sitting on his desk and cries.
Neil’s Memorial service – DPS sing the hymn in tears at Neil’s memorial where Nolan announces a thorough investigation into the events leading up to his death
Cameron is a fink – Charlie tells everyone that Cameron has told Nolan all about their club. Cameron tells them they already know and they can’t save Keating but they can save themselves if they are smart like him. Charlie punches him in the face.
Todd is called to Nolan’s office – Todd sits beside his parents as Nolan tells him to sign the statement that implicates Keating in the death of Neil. Keating is made the scapegoat to take the fall for the school.
Nolan substitutes for Keating – He asks everyone to turn to the pages that have already been ripped out of their books. Keating comes to collect his personals and overhears them and smiles.
Todd speaks out – Todd yells out to Keating that they didn’t want to. He gets up on the desk defying Nolan’s protests to get down and calls out O Captain! My Captain! Keating says Thank you, boys. All the others follow suit except for Cameron.
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Prescribed text is ancient history – Rips out J Evan Pritchard, PhD’s Understanding Poetry – Keating asks the class to rip out the pages to their prescribed text. He skips some of the realists and doesn’t go in an order to teach his class
Shakespeare is boring – he reads out Shakespeare as Marlon Brando and John Wayne.
Geeky Society for losers – Dead Poets Society is not boring and it’s for romantics
There is no set path – Neil discovers his passion for acting and would rather die than not pursue it
I’m not an embarrassment – Todd finds out he does have something important to say and he has a poet in him after all
There is no honour in betraying your friends – Cameron says there is an honour code in this school – we tell the truth when teachers ask us. But he in fact betrays his friends and saves his own skin by making his teacher Keating a scapegoat to take the fall for the school.
Discipline is meaningless without passion – Mr Perry was more concerned for his son to not disobey him because he couldn’t see his passion and lost him to his foolishness.
Traditions that don’t allow one to question their purpose and meaning are useless – The schools’ rigid prescribed methods didn’t have room for any free thinkers to emerge
Excellence without a soul – the pursuit of noble professions is necessary to sustain life but poetry, beauty, romance, and love are what we stay alive for
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
Each gradient of change mentioned above was a profound moment for me. I had to keep stopping every few minutes to make notes. I was very moved by the film when I watched it using this profound model. Wow! What an eye-opener!
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
“You can call me Mr Keating or more daringly O Captain! My Captain!”
“Gather ye Rosebuds while ye may” – Latin term for that sentiment is “Carpe diem” – Seize the day”
“Now I want you to rip that page. Rip It! Be gone J Eavn’s Pritchard PhD… It’s not a bible you’re not going to hell for this… Rip it!
“Keep ripping gentleman. This is a battle, a war. The casualties could be your heart and soul. Armies o academics measuring poetry No we will not have that. No more Mr J Evans Pritchard.”
“Now in my class, you’ll learn to think for yourselves again. You’ll learn to savour words and language. No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
“We don’t read and write poetry because it is cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion.”
“Medicine, Law, Business, Engineering these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But Poetry, beauty, romance, love these are what we stay alive for.”
“That you are here. That life exists and identity; That the powerful play goes on and you can contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”
“What is the Dead Poet’s Society… You mean it was a bunch of guys sitting around, reading poetry? No Mr Overstreet. It wasn’t just guys. We weren’t a Greek organization. We were romantics. We didn’t just read poetry. We let it drip from our tongues like honey. Spirits soared, women swooned, and gods were created, gentlemen. Not a bad way to spend an evening eh?”
“Thanks, Mr Perry for that stroll down amnesia lane.”
“Why do I stand on the desk… to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.”
“You must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all.”
“Mr Anderson, don’t think I don’t know this assignment scares the hell out of you, you mole.”
“Mr Anderson thinks everything inside of him is worthless and embarrassing. Isn’t that your worst fear? I think you’re wrong. I think you have something inside you that is worth a great deal.”
“The point Charlie is that she was thinking about me. I’ve only met her once and she is already thinking about me… I can feel it. I know she is going to be mine. Carpe diem!”
“I think you underestimate the value of this desk set. The shape is rather aerodynamic. I can feel it. This desk set wants to fly. The world’s first unmanned flying desk set… oh my don’t worry. You’ll get another one next year.”
“So what are you going to do? Charlie? Damn it, Neil! The name is Nuwanda”
“Phone call from god. I think collect would have been daring!”
“I can’t talk to him this way. You’re acting for him too The role of a dutiful son.”
“Dead poets Honor. You’re so infuriating.”
“Cameron is a fink”
“O Captain! My Captain!”
9. How does the ending pay off the setups of this movie?
The Principal opens the school semester announcing the proud academic achievements of previous batches but in the end, the student who started out as meek and voiceless defies his principal in class to get up on the desk and daringly call out “O Captain! My Captain!” The principal who talks about the four pillars of Honor, Tradition, Discipline and Excellence has dishonourably made Mr Keating the scapegoat hiding behind the tradition to regurgitate texts that do not inspire students to seek knowledge, the strict discipline that couldn’t prevent a promising student from taking his life as he felt trapped by it and lastly found excellence in the superficial academic achievements and grades rather than the depth of a person’s soul.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Everyone has a unique voice, and we need to find our voice even if it means going against the conformities of society.
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Sharon Axcell’s Lead Characters
What I learned doing this assignment is… that the oppression itself is part of the profundity.
LOGLINE:
A maverick, non-believing scientist must stop her wayward experiment from devastating all mankind by forging and claiming her destiny completely.
THE CHANGE AGENT
– Omega
o Vision – that life has been pre-ordained, and destiny is set. Time is linear – the timeline can not be changed because every single iota will define the future.
o Past Experiences that fit that vision – she’s tried changing the past so many times, but here she still is, exactly as predicted/ expected!
THE TRANSFORMABLE CHARACTER(S)
– Alpha
o She is literally at the beginning of Omega’s journey.
o Her beliefs are ‘freedom, free will’ – the opposite of where Omega really ends up
THE OPPRESSION
– The Time Machine/ Black Hole
o It seems to open up opportunities, but in fact it’s following strict rules, which eventually portray/ enforce the transformation
o Linear Time itself.
THE BETRAYING CHARACTER (they revert back to the old ways at the worst possible moment)
– Kappa (the one that goes through the Black Hole to the other side)
o She looks as though she’s going to trust Omega, but can’t – which just proves the evolution of the situation even more. i.e. she thinks she’s acting spontaneously, but it’s exactly what happened last time.
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Deb’s Lead Characters
What I learned… While it’s easy to see these characters in a completed puzzle, it’s a challenge to come up with your own! I think what helped me the most (aside from looking at the models) is to just go with my “best guess” as Hal put it. It takes the pressure off and gives me the freedom to move forward.
Logline: A wealthy yet defeated treasure hunter finds a priceless treasure in a vast wasteland and gives up everything to buy the land.
Change Agent: The Father. He was also a treasure hunter and was dismissed as a fool. He is no longer living, but he left notes and clues as to where he thought the treasure was hidden. It’s completely opposite to what common sense and “industry standards” would indicate. But he believed the treasure was out there and never gave up looking for it.
Transformable Character: The Son. He gave up on his father long ago and made a success of himself by pursuing other lucrative opportunities. But he becomes dissatisfied and after finding his father’s notes, decides to look for this elusive treasure.
The Oppression: The world that the son lives in encourages “status quo”, “settle”, and “it could be worse” personified by a humming media whose mantra is “this is all there is.” It encourages lives of ease and leisure and rewards those who don’t rock the boat.
The Betraying Character: The man’s wife. She is supportive to a certain extent and considers her husband “eccentric”. When she learns of a “priceless treasure” she encourages and even helps him. But the closer he gets, the worse it gets for her and their way of life… especially when he decides to purchase what appears to be a worthless piece of property with their life savings. She ends up turning on him.
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Mary Albanese – What I learned from this assignment is the key role of the betraying agent, who could change but doesn’t, reminding us that change is hard.
1. My transformational journey logline. “A NY girl facing a dull conventional future takes a dangerous journey of discovery to define herself as an arctic explorer.
2. Change agent. Dr. Stone allows her the chance to enter the program and try to prove herself but warns her of the dangers.
3. The Transformable character is Maggie, who leaves NY for Alaska to try to break into the world of scientific arctic exploration, something traditionally only done by men.
4. The Oppression includes the dangerous nature of the work, as constantly reminded by Brandon, the arrogant leader of several boys who undermines Maggie and reminds her that women don’t do this kind of work.
5. The betraying agent is Walter, who Maggy saves from freezing, yet he tells everybody in a way that makes it seem like Maggy’s fault and gets her into trouble.
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Bob Kerr; LEAD CHARACTERS
What I learned doing this assignment is my story needed a betraying character. I see where there is a place for one and will now add it to the story.
LOGLINE: A losing college football team must overcome the worst air tragedy of the time, killing 29 players, coaches and supporters, to recover and attempt to upset the #9 ranked team in the country. All is 23 days.
THE CHANGE AGENT: Coach Bob Seaman is elevated to Head Coach following the death of the Head Coach in the plane crash in the Rockies. After burying their dead, Seaman imposes his will on the other coaches and players. They are not going to just show up at the game against Arkansas. They are going to win. Seaman comes from a winning history of football success and knows how to forge an upset against an heavily favored opponent.
THE TRANSFORMABLE CHARACTERS: The football team it self. They have a losing record and have just lost their head coach and 17 of their teammates. One “Old Way” is a losing history. The other “Old Ways” is you must take time to mourn and grieve and not just jump back into the fire. The last “Old Way” is college is supposed to be fun. Time to figure out who and what you are going to be in life. They must grow up in a hurry and cast off the “Old Ways” to have any chance of winning their next game.
THE OPPRESSION: Is the plane crash and loss of life. No matter what they experience on a daily basis, they are constantly reminded of the tragedy and the massive interruption in their lives. It is with them when they board the flight for the game against Arkansas.
THE BETRAYING CHARACTER: The college sports reporter who covers them for the school paper. Initially, he is willing to accept their courage and willingness to proceed. But as the 23 days unfold, he cannot finally adopt the “New Ways”. He finally believes they are doomed and resign in protest.
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Gord’s Lead Characters
What I learned doing this assignment is, this: Had not previously thought to include a “betraying character.” Has me thinking and causes me to change up a character. Thank you!
Logline (for TMS):
Parallel journeys, one in present times, one in 1968, of a son and the father he never knew, search for forgiveness from the other, where both discover the strength to forgive themselves.
Change Agent:
Augie M. Augie becomes Jess’s closest friend during the war (described below). As Jess’s fellow pilot they pierce through the gun-enforced, impermeable blockade, nightly with their freight-laden planes, risking their lives to help feed a starving nation. As Augie settles in to witness first-hand the brutality of the war, something he’s neither seen nor experienced before, and which impacts him as it has Jess who remains a seasoned mercenary pilot, the two gain each other’s trust, become friends, then become close confidants as their friendship deepens. But it is the new guy’s guidance (i.e., Augie’s) against Jess’s secret revelations of why he’s even there in the first instance, that motivate Jess to change, to recognize that he must make amends with his family, the family he left behind, the family he hurt. And to do that, he must first forgive himself.
Transformable Character:
Jess M. (See Change Agent, above.) Jess did something horrific in his mind’s eye that caused him to flee his family. In a self-imposed punishment-type move, Jess flies dangerous missions nightly, to help others. In essence, he would rather face death, nightly, than face the family he’s harmed. But it is his friend Augie who shows him the path (above). And he follows it. But then, changed circumstances cause Jess to temporarily abort his path home to fly one final but necessary mission. Would he survive it to return home? To face his most burdening fears? To make amends with family?
The Oppression
It’s the Biafran-Nigerian civil war where a gun-enforced blockade caused nearly two million children to starve to death. It’s a brutal war tactic meant to starve thy enemy into submission, a sort of genocide by starvation, to prevent Biafra from seceding from its former homeland, Nigeria. And there is a dastardly, selfish reason for Nigeria’s leader to engage this tactic.
Betraying Character:
This is a new concept for me. Thank you. Thank you. I think I have a concept which involves changing one of the supporting roles. It’s a work in progress. Will revisit.
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Bob Kerr: Analysis of Dead Poets Society 4(b)
What I learned in this lesson is the magnitude of the changes and the elements included in the gradients. The Profound Truth that I uncovered was different than my original thinking.
1./ What is the change this movie is about? The development of young men into the world of men.
What is the transformational Journey of the movie”
Throughout the film the headmaster constantly refers to them as “boys” Mr. Keating starts treating them like “young men” who need to think for themselves if they are to find true happiness in life.
2. Lead Characters:
CHANGE AGENT: Mr. Keating. TRANSFORABLE CHARACTERS – All of Mr. Keating’s class except for Cameron. OPPRESSION: On one level it is the expectation these young men are supposed to live the lives their parents have mapped out for the. On another level, it is the tradition of the school that is not interested in teaching them to be critical thinkers.
3. How are we lured into the Profound Journey? The audience is lured in the journey they remember when they were that age and yearning to find their voice.
What causes us to connect with the story?
The realities of the Vice Principal in high school, the senior corner and the struggle to discover one’s own identity is a common theme for all adults.
4. Who are changed the most?
Mr. Anderson. Initially he is someone lurking on the outer edges of the “Dead Poets Society”. He is uncomfortable speaking in class. Ultimately, he is the first to stand and support Mr. Keating with a strong voice.
Identify the “Old Ways”
Young men are not capable of deciding anything about their future. Rote education is the only way to prepare them for college and life.
Identify the “New Ways”
When these students are given the tools for self-expression they grow through the innovative teaching methods of Mr. Keating
5. What is the gradient of change?
The gradients appear as both intellectual curiosity, risk taking and being open to the teachings of Mr. Keating
What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
First, tear out the pages of the book. Second, form the Dead Poets Society. Third follow the new ways of Mr. Keating’s methodology. Finally, take the risks to fall in love, try out for a play and develop a bond deeper than their traditional bonding at the school.
6. How is the “Old Way Challenged” ?
In every imaginable way. Mr. Keating’s is bringing new methods and achieving the goal of the students growing into free thinkers. It is even demonstrated at the lunch table when another faculty member challenges Mr. Keating’s methods and Mr. Keating’s responds with original poetry.
What beliefs are challenged that cause the main characters to shift perspective and make the change??
Instead of talking down to his students, Mr. Keating’s talks with them. He challenges them to break out of the bind of conformity and seek their inner voice.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
First, the revival of the Dead Poets Society on their own. Second , the conformity lesson while walking in the courtyard, Mt. Keating explaining the difference between daring and foolish and finally the final confrontation of Neal’s father regarding Neal’s future.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
“Father, it wouldn’t be fair.”, Because we are food for worms, Make your lives extraordinary and “I’ve been calm all my life. I’m going to do something about that .
9. How does the ending payoff the set-ups of this movie?
The end reveals the growing voice of the young men and their willingness to risk it all for one they trust, admire and seek to emulate. After all, Mr. Keating’s was voted “The Most Likely To Do Anything.”
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Life must be lived with joy to find true fulfillment and happiness. Be unique, believe in yourself and don’t live in fear of taking risks.
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]Mary Albanese – Analysis of DEAD POETS SOCIETY.
What is the change this movie is about? What is the Transformational
Journey of this movie?Todd learns the value of seizing the day by making each moment count.
Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change)
and what makes this the right character to cause the change? The teacher
who loves teaching young men to think for themselves.
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes
the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this
profound journey? Todd, who doubts himself at the beginning.
What is the Oppression? The school with its long
history valuing tradition over personal thinking, as shown in the opening
chants, and by the headmaster.How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to
connect with this story? We are lured in by tentative Todd, who has
problems connecting with people and himself. But he does finally join the
cave group, and start to think for himself. We are also lured in by the
teacher’s innovative methods. What would I do in that situation? Ripping
up books, standing on desks, the group walking demonstrations. How would I
react in that situation?
Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the
profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their
old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion: Todd who doubts himself
does not doubt himself at the end but stands up for what he believes is
right, all while staying within the rules of society. Charley is DYING to
embrace the teacher’s methods, but he doesn’t really change as he was always
looking for a way to be a rebel.
What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational
Character go through as they were changing? Todd joins the cave group but
doesn’t speak up. He’s afraid to do his poetry assignment but is pushed
into making upa poem from the heart on the spot by the teacher. He smiles
to achieve that. He is a young man who doesn’t get encouragement from home
and doesn’t believe in himself. At the end he does sign the paper condemning
the teacher because the teacher has told them there is a line not to
cross. But he gives the teacher a worthy goodbye and thankyou when he
stands on his desk.
How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that
cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Todd now knows that he can work within the system and still understand the
value of his own opinions as he demonstrates his respect for the teacher.
What are the most profound moments of the movie? When Oversteet
calls the girl and discovers she meant to call him. When Overstree kisses
the girl and later whne he takes her to the play. When Gale defies his
father and joins the play. When Gale LIES to the teacher and says he told
his father. When Gale kills himself. When Todd tells Gale that his parents
gave him another bdesk set and Gale helps him express his condemnation fo
their lack of sincerity by throwing the desk set off the roof. When Todd
stands on his desk out of respect for the teacher, prompting others to
join him. He has become so much in tune with his confidence in his own
self worth that in this moment he becomes a leader.
What are the most profound lines of the movie? Oh Captain my
Captain. Carpe Diem.
How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie? When Todd stands
up for the teacher. And the teacher sees that Todd now has the confidence
in himself to lead the others in an act of respect. It is a double whammy
as it shows Todd’s transformation, AND ALSO the teacher is proud to witness
it and know he has instilled that confidence in him. That is the best gift
Todd could have given his teacher, to know he has done his job with Todd.
What is the Profound Truth of this movie? You have to stand up for
what is right, not just out of an act of self-righteousness but to show to
yourself who you are. -
Assignment Day 4
Laurie’s Lead Characters
What I learned doing this assignment is I don’t feel inspired by my concept but I’ll work through the assignments and then come up with a better one.
Logline: A greedy self-made billionaire convinced he only has two weeks to live gives everyone he’s every harmed ten million dollars, learns forgiveness can’t be bought.
Change Agent: Wholistic Doctor who looks for the good and wellness of the entire planet and its occupants.
Transformable Character: Self-made billionaire who rationalized that every move he took that was good for him was good for the world.
The Oppression: A not do distant future in which money connotes power and where tyranny and might rule the day.
Betraying character: Billionaire’s teenage daughter who believes her dad should be taught a lesson about sharing the wealth doesn’t realize until it’s too late that she has signed his death warrant.
Reworked:
Old ways – excelling, driven, image-conscious, deceitful, and greedy.
New Ways – honest, philanthropic, generous, inclusive
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Susan McClary’s Analysis of Dead Poets Society 4B What I learned:
I like this film a lot better when I was younger. Watching it now I found it was way too “talkie” for me. Even most of the points that were supposed to be profound seemed to be overly talkie. I understand that part of that was to use the poetry, but most of the poetry used just didn’t do it for me. There are plenty of other dead poets who I’d personally rather hear from. A reminder to use more action without talk overs to tell your story in scripts!
1) What is the change this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie? From: Tradition, Honor in society’s eyes, Discipline as your told, Excellence in things To: Self, Honor/Truth, Discipline as a human being, Excellence from the Heart There is a difference between the work we do to sustain life (e.g. engineering, Lawyer, Doctor, etc.), and what we sustain our lives for (love, passion, beauty). Think for yourself and seize the day! 2) Lead characters: a. Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? The teacher of the upper level “boys,” Mr. Keating. He went to Hell-ton previously and became a true version of himself anyway. b. Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey? Most of the students in Mr. Keating’s class make the change and are transformed, however four appear to be the most significant. These two: Todd and Neil are roommates and have the most profound transformations. They help and stick up for each other during the course of the film. Neil is energetic and ripe for change, but his Father sets out his entire life for him and makes even small decisions for him allowing him absolutely no wiggle room. He goes from repressed to ecstatic and when his true heart is taken from he he kills himself. Todd is quiet and afraid to show any part of himself. He is under pressure to live up to his brother’s legacy. He slowly transforms to the one who really tells the truth, sticks up for Mr. Keating, and defies the Headmaster. Knox has trouble even thinking about speaking to girls to getting a date with, “the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” Charlie goes from not really interested in being a real player in life to being the one who writes an article for the school journal demanding that girls be enrolled into the school. c. What is the Oppression? Generally the Wellton’s static rules and the Headmaster. Specifically for Todd: trying to live up to his brother’s legacy; and for Neil: his Father. 3) How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? First by the fun energy of the “boys.” Then by seeing the step by step transformations of the students and how they blossom individually. 4) Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion: The journey is to go from someone who follows all the “old ways,” and static rules, and does what is expected of them by parents and elitist society to someone who follows their own heart and truth, and creates their own legacy based on being true to who they really are. 5) What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing? The boys are “stiff” and follow all the rules. Their eyes are opened by studying with Mr. Keating. Day by day Keating using different methods to open them up to who they are and what they want such as: scaring them, shocking them, making them think, opening their emotions, using physical activities. The Dead Poet’s Society meetings further free them to begin to seize the day. Individually they each become more of who they are (even the betrayer). 6) How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change? The belief that everyone has to do it the same way in order to fit in is challenged by seeing the possibility of doing things differently. 7) What are the most profound moments of the movie? Mr. Keating takes class to display case and shows them all the students who are now dead. Gather ye rosebuds…. Seize the Day. When Neil makes sure Todd can come to the Dead Poet’s Society meeting even though he won’t read. The first time in the Cave for the Dead Poet’s Society. Todd being forced to create a poem spontaneously in front of the class. Mr. Keating stands of desk to remind everyone to look at things differently, from another perspective. Neil’s joy in being cast as Puck. Then his exasperation with Todd Charlie publishes article demanding girls be enrolled in Wellton. Neil’s father refuses to listen to him. Neil kills himself. Other young men who already know what happened come and tell Todd. Todd freaks out. Todd runs outside half naked in the snow. He is stunned by the beauty and then must realize Neil is missing this and runs down the hill screaming for Neil. Todd stands on his desk. Almost the entire class stands on their desks. Todd says O’ Captain my captain. Keating thanks boys. 8) What are the most profound lines of the movie? You may call me Mr. Keating… or you may call me O’ Captain My Captain. We are food for worms. Carpe Diem, Seize the Day We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for…. … the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be? What will your legacy be? I stand on my desk to remind myself we must constantly see things in a different way. Can’t I even for a minute enjoy the THOUGHT of getting the part? Neil, Neil, Neil! O’ Captain, my Captain. Thank you boys. Thank you. 9) How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie? The students transformed from controlled boys to the beginning of free thinking young men. They accept Mr. Keating’s challenge to think for themselves, to choose the lives they want, and to begin to create their own legacies. 10) What is the Profound Truth of this movie? Life is a prison formed by other people’s rules and expectations unless we break out of living for them and live for ourselves with passion from our inner truths and from our hearts.-
This reply was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by Susan McClaryu.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by
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ASSIGNMENT 4A:
Susan McClary's Lead Characters
What I learned doing this assignment is:
That even though I have an idea for the story line, I am feeling unsure about details for the main characters.
Even if you are not completely sure about which characters are which, give us your current GUESS about these four roles.
1) Tell us your transformational journey logline.
A (Post millennial) geeky, out of place "Jughead" dumbfounded by people's reactions is thrown into an
unexpected situation forcing him to delve into his own and other's true natures and become the new Dear Abby.
2) Tell us who you think might be your Change Agent and give a few sentences about how that character fits the role. Also, include: - Their vision: - Their past experience that fits that vision:
Brother? His brother keeps calling him from Thailand to make sure he is taking care of the animals.
and the
Animals? They keep wanting things and GG just doesn't know what.
3) Tell us who you think might be your Transformable Character(s) and give a few sentences about how that character or characters fit the role.
The geeky guy (GG).
Born on the cusp of Millennial and Gen Z doesn't fit either
Grouch meter for others' reactions
No matter how nice he is no one accepts him
A mirror for other's insecurities
Hopelessly apologetic
Basically shunned
His girlfriend threw him out, she thinks he's either insulting or cold and withdrawn
Sees himself through other's eyes - that he
bungles everything
Bewildered about himself, and other's needs and feelings (does he always have to guess?)
He has to live at his brother’s place and is put in the extraordinary position of
suddenly having to take care of his brother’s NUMEROUS pets. He’s never had a pet
and doesn’t understand them even more than he doesn’t understand people.
4) Tell us who or what you think might be The Oppression and give a few sentences about how The Oppression works in your story.
The situation of GG being thrown into taking care of his brother's menagerie of pets while his brother
does a stint as a Vet without Borders helping
elephants in Thailand.
5) Tell us who you think might be your Betraying Character and give a few sentences about how that character fits the role.
Ex-girlfriend? who wants him back but he is so not interested in, or annoying neighbor? who keeps bitching about the animals noise, smells, etc..
This character would have to out him as the new Dear Abbey that everybody loves. Paradoxically this only makes him MORE popular.
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Subject: Andre’s Lead Characters
What I learned doing this assignment?
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO CREATE CHARACTERS, BUT FOR THIS MODEL, THERE ARE FOUR (4) SPECIFIC CHARACTERS THAT NEED TO ACCOMPLISH CERTAIN ROLES, THREE (3) CHARACTERS AND A FORCE.
1. Tell them My Transformational Journey Logline.
PERFECTING THE DIVING PLAN. WE ARE A PART OF A GIGANTIC CREATION, AND IT IS NOT STRANGE THAT EVERYTHING DOES NOT WORK IN PERFECTION; OUR UNIVERSE WAS NOT CREATED IN PERFECTION.
PERFECTION IS OUR ETERNAL GOAL, NOT OUR ORIGIN. EARTH PROGRESSED VERY SATISFACTORILY IN ITS PLANETARY CAREER UP TO THE TIMES OF THE LUCIFER REBELLION AND THE CONCURRENT BETRAYAL, BY HIS ASSISTANT THE DEVIL.
ALL SUBSEQUENT HISTORY IS DEFINENTLY MODIFIED BY THIS CATASTROPHIC BLUNDER AS WELL AS BY THE LATER FAILURE OF ADAM AND EVE TO FULFILL THEIR PLANETARY MISSION.
2. Tell them who I thin might be my Change Agent and give them a few sentences about how that character fits the role.
THE TRUE PLANETARY PRINCE.
o Also, induce: Their vision: -Their past experience that fits that vision.
THE SEVEN (7) BESTOWALS. WITH TWO PURPOSES:
1. ONE WAS TO COMPLETE THE REQUIRED EXPERIENCE IN CREATURE UNDERSTANDING WHICH IS DEMANDED OF ALL CREATOR SONS BEFORE THEY ASSUME COMPLETE SOVEREIGNTY,
2. SECOND HE WAS ASPIRING TO THE PRIVILEDGE OF REPRESENTING THE MAXIMUM AUTHORITY OF THE PARADISE TRINITY ONLY AFTER PASSING THROUGH THE SEVEN UNIVERSE-CREATURE BESTOWALS, BY SUCCESSFULLY AND ACCEPTABLY VOLUNTARILY SUBORDINATE HIMSELF TO THE VARIOUS CONSTITUTED WILL OF THE DIVERSE ASSOCIATIONS OF THE PERSONS OF THE PARADISE TRINITY.
THE SEVEN BESTOWALS ARE:
1. BE SUBJECT TO THE COMBINED WILL OF THE FATHER, SON AND SPIRIT.
2. WILL OF THE FATHER AND SON.
3. WILL OF THE FATHER AND SPIRIT.
4. WILL OF THE SON AND SPIRIT.
5. WILL OF THE INFINITE SPIRIT.
6. WILL OF THE ETERNAL SON.
7. ON EARTH, THE WILL OF THE UNIVERSAL FATHER.
3. Tell them who I think might be my Transformable Character(s), and give a few sentences about how that character or characters fit the role.
HUMANITY VIA OUR MALE (XY) AND FEMALE (XX) PROTAGONISTS.
4. Tell us who or what I think might be The Oppression and give a few sentences about how that character or characters fit the role.
THE FALSE/FALLEN PLANETARY PRINCE and THOSE LOYAL IN THE REBELLION.
5. Tell them who I think might be the Betraying Character and give a few sentences about how that Character fits the role.
THE DEVIL’S DECLARATION OF LIBERTY. “YOU ARE LIKE YOU LEADER, LUCIFER, AND YOU HAVE SINFULLY PERPETUATED HIS INIQUITY. HE WAS A FALSIFIER FROM THE BEGINNING OF HIS SELF-EXALTATION BECAUSE HE ABODE NOT IN THE TRUTH”.
6. What I learned doing this assignment is…?
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO CREATE CHARACTERS, BUT FOR THIS MODEL, THERE ARE FOUR (4) SPECIFIC CHARACTERS THAT NEED TO ACCOMPLISH CERTAIN ROLES, THREE (3) CHARACTERS AND A FORCE.
End assignment #4.
Andre
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Assignment Day 4A
Laurie’s Lead Characters
What I learned doing this assignment is to keep brainstorming the key components and they will flesh out more fully as I go along.
Logline: A self-made billionaire, convinced he only has two weeks to live, gives everyone he’s every harmed ten million dollars, only to learn forgiveness can’t be bought.
Change Agent: Dr. Marjory Green M.D. who tries to save Thomas McGill’s life. When she delivers the bad news that he has less than a month to live, she asks him to ponder this question. “What is your definition of a life well-lived?” He will keep coming back to her to narrate what’s he’s done and she will always reply, “That’s a good start. Dig deeper.”
Transformable Character – Thomas McGill who was smart enough to take a simple idea/product and turn it into a global empire but in the process alienated his wife, children, and business partners as well as the people who use/consume his product – TBD.
The Oppression – the marketplace dynamics, his competitors, Wall Street. It’s dog eat dog and if he doesn’t stay top dog he will be devoured by the pack.
Betraying Character – His business partner, COO, manipulated McGill’s daughter into poisoning her father. She thinks she’s saving him but the business partner thought McGill was going to clean house.
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Ray’s Lead Characters
What I learned from doing this assignment is how to identify the main characters and exactly what their roles are in the story.
1. A woman, struggling through creating a business while dealing with her husband and partners death, learns to have faith in God in a most unusual way.
2. Change Agent is Eve because the helps the girl deal with grief even as she is processes her own pain.
3. The Transformable Characters are the Frooty Toots because they constantly encourage Eve to continue her journey.
4. The Oppression is Adam’s death because this was the very thing that caused Eve to doubt herself and her future.
5. The little boy is the Betraying Character because through it all, he was the prankster that kept causing problems and trying to prevent Eve from starting her business.
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Jacqueline’s lead characters
1.Logline: A frustrated housewife tired of being dependent on her controlling husband rediscovers herself on an unexpected adventure across America that forces her to face who she’s become and risk everything to change it
2. Change agent =Lizzie, the main character’s best friend with a vision for an independent Jenny based on them growing up together.
3.Transformable character = Jenny. She’s suppressed and controlled and knows that if she does nothing the rest of her life will stay exactly the same.
4. Oppression = The institution of marriage and her husband within it who believes she should continue to self-sacrifice for him. The societal conditioning that shames women for putting themselves first.
5. Betraying character = Alan but I’m not convinced he’s really a betraying character.
6. What I learned doing this assignment is that I don’t have a strong betraying character.
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Brendan’s Characters in Reg’s Story
What I discovered was that identifying the best characters to fill the 4 roles was not all that obvious. I had to think about the story through-line and how each would work to the very end or whether it even had to. Indeed, it was hard to find anyone to play the Betraying Character, because the book I’m adapting does not appear to have one. Might have to invent one, perhaps inspired by a real character from war history. The capitulation of the Chamberlain government and all its short-sighted advisors are surely a rich source of contenders in my research. I also learnt that any kind of tradition, established practice or institution can be The Oppressor, the key one here being rising European fascism.
Transformational journey logline: In the Great Depression, a gifted young engineer diagnosed with bowel cancer devotes his life to designing superior fighter planes to defend his beloved family, and England itself, from rising fascism.
The Change Agent and how that character fits the role: Gifted aero-designer, Sir Reg Mitchell, appears to be the Change Agent in this story due to his clear vision and inspiring leadership of a 20-strong design team for the decade or so of his short career.
His knowledge of history and genuine interest in the politics of the times informed his ethos and vision: An unwavering conviction that England needs to achieve aerial supremacy to defend itself against rising European facism and a Nazi invasion. His artistic vision for creating the early models of the Spitfire came from observing birds in flight. He was inspired by learning that the Zanania Macrocarper seed could travel further than any other species due to its aero-dynamic balance and ability to glide further through wind and gravity.
On leadership, Reg had a rare ability to appoint and nurture a loyal, high-functioning design team which, several years after Reg’s death, successfully delivered 300 Spitfires for deployment in the Battle of Britain, crucial to defeating the Nazi invasion.
The Transformable Character(s) and how those characters fit the role: The general public and their elected MPs are the transformable characters, a bit like India is in GHANDI. When Hitler reoccupies the Rhineland, another war is clearly coming but the British public are still in no mood to pay for rearmament after the trauma of world war One. Members of Reg’s design team will also undergo a transformational journey as they work night and day in the ultimate race for survival.
The Oppressor is rising fascism across Europe; including ruling dictators in Italy and Germany, countries which also had early military supremacy, putting rising pressure on England to lift its aero-military investment at the worst possible time; the post-war austerity measures and, of course, the Great Depression. The idea of rearmament also challenged the disarmament principles of the League of Nations.
The Betraying Character and how that character fits the role. This could be the one of the many advisors to the Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, or even the PM himself. Or one of the engineers who maybe tries to sell secrets to the Germans? I wonder also if the Republic of Ireland could be mis-presented as a Betraying Character by declaring itself Neutral, a decision which in reality helped England by avoiding a German attack via Ireland, with its excellent vantage point. All to be played with, mulled over and scrutinised.
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Brendan’s analysis of Dead Poets Society
This lesson was a great way to better understand 3 of the 4 key character types of a profound screenplay and what they do that helps them fit that role. The gradient of change was harder to define so I focused on Neil who seemed to undergo a faster transformation than the others, although i didn’t study them as deeply. T’was tough to pick the most profound quotes with so much great poetry on display so I stuck to the story-related ones.
What is the change this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
This movie is about the change that males experience on their journey to manhood when they discover the world is far wider and more exciting than they realised and begin to explore their own beliefs and question others’ expectations about their place in the world.
Lead characters:
Mr Keating is the Change Agent. He is the one with the Vision of a better world and a better way of preparing young people to thrive within it. He inspires them to question dogma and orthodoxy and become Free Thinkers. His vision comes from his own experience as a member of the progressive, underground Dead Poets Society, a collective of artists and philosophers dedicated to ‘sucking the marrow out of life’s bone’ a lifestyle which continuously nourishes his creativity and intellectual pursuits.
The Students are the Transformable Characters. They are the ones who have been shielded from reality and shoehorned into thinking there is only one way of succeeding in life. Upon meeting Mr Keating, they are immediately surprised at the very playful way he challenges them to open their minds to new ways of looking at the world, of learning about life and understanding the knowledge and discoveries of the great artists and intellectuals who have blazed trails before them. But not all of the boys accept the challenge and become Transformable Characters, which is evident at the film’s end when about half the class stand on their desks to honour Keating with a ‘Captain, my Captain’ salute, while the rest remain seated, siding with Betraying Character, Richard Cameron. A true reflection of humanity with its divide between progressive and conservative thinkers since time immemorial.
The Private School System is the Oppression, with its focus on meeting the expectations of its conservative parental clientele; namely using fear, threatening language and violence to instil in the boys the need to conform with the establishment. Only then can they continue their studies to become doctors, lawyers and other highly paid professionals, fulfilling their parents’ wishes. There is no room for independent spirit, freedom of expression and self determination. A young man can’t possibly be an artist, or an actor or a musician as well as a doctor or lawyer. It’s a very black and white world where something is either good or bad. The Old Ways are tested and proven, the New Ways are untested and therefore dangerous. And the cycle of conservatism continues.
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
Mr Keating uses poetry to stimulate a new kind of learning about the mysteries and complexities of humanity, to build the confidence in young people to influence others and be the individuals that they genuinely want to become. It is a smart, seductive way to lure viewers into the story too..
Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.”
The key Transformable characters are Neil, Todd, Charlie, Knox and Gerard, the ones that decide to stand on the desk in the end to honour Keating, defying the principal’s authority.
Identify their old ways:
Self doubting and lacking confidence
Uncritically conforming to societal expectations
Unsure about their desired place in the world
Sceptical about Keating’s unusual methods
Too embarrassed to admit they are emotionally affected by Keating’s impassioned plea to become Free Thinkers.
Identify their new way at the conclusion:
More self-confidence and self-determination
Willingness to challenge conventional wisdom
Determined not to fear rejection but take it in their stride
A clear view of their own special place in the world and the courage to seek it out and claim it.
What is the gradient of the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
The gradient of change varies with each boy. For Neil, who’s first step in the transformation was discovering his love of poetry and later, theatre, something he discovered for himself, without any parental guidance. He decides to audition for a production without permission, thinking (very good) he can work out how to tell his parents if he gets the part. By the time he does, he’s developed more confidence gained from the Dead Poets Society meetings, and decides to forge his parents’ consent to accept the role. He even invites his father to attend, despite knowing his father’s disdain for the idea and the real risk of confrontation. His performance gets a standing ovation, confirming in Neil’s mind that Theatre is the life he wants. But despite his new found confidence and lashings of self belief, it’s not enough for Neil to overcome the Oppressive force of his father, who makes it absolutely clear that Neil’s life must be lived on his father’s terms, an ultimatum that pushes Neil over the edge.
How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
For the first time in the students’ life, the accepted teachings of Pritchard on how to evaluate great poetry are forcefully challenged by Keating, which is unsettling for some boys.
But the challenge is more than an intellectual one, it becomes a symbolic one, when Keating demands the students tear not just the Pritchard theory from the book but the entire introduction to the text.
This scene is incredibly empowering, especially for these bright young students who have never experienced any individual, let alone a teacher, standing up to the academic establishment that employs him. There’s a kind of no going back feel about it.
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
When Todd stands on the desk to honour Keating with the ‘Captain, my Captain’ salute, defying the fuming Principal, who is standing in as the replacement teacher.
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Carpa Diem, cease the day
Boys, you must strive to find your own voice
How does the ending pay off the setups of this movie?
The set-up of Keating, as the revolutionary and inspiring teacher, is paid off when his methods are so successful at creating Free Thinkers that the private school decides he sack him, thus paying the ultimate price for being true to his beliefs and standing up to the Oppressor.
The set-up of Todd, as the most repressed, vulnerable character in the beginning, is paid off in the end when Todd finds the courage to be the first to stand and the desk to salute Keating on his departure, in defiance the principal’s orders.
The set-up of Knox, determined to woe Chriss?, the girl of his dreams, is paid off when the pair agree to go to the theatre and finally get to hold hands. Bless.
What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Freedom of thought and expression conquers fear and intimidation.
Be true to yourself.
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Rich Whiteside’s Transformational Journey
What I learned doing this assignment is the value in the process of structuring a profound story is working from the outside in. Define your beginning “failing in life” state and the end “on the path to a better future”.
1. Logline for the transformational journey: Chris, a high school push who desperately needs money fast, makes a drug run through the precarious Canadian–Montana wilderness in the dead of winter with a street-tough drug mule he can’t trust.
2. Chris’s old ways: Chris is unemployed, depressed, and feeling ignored and left out of life. He blames his father who bailed on him and his mother when he was young. Chris lets himself get pushed around. His mother has surrendered to the lung cancer and depends on Medicaid and her meager Social Security to scrape by. Without opportunity, guidance or mentorship, Chris’s life revolves around smoking weed and skateboarding while looking for part-time work. He has no idea what he wants to do with his life. He marvels at an Army poster about flying drones, but he doesn’t have the guts to sign up because he’s afraid of bootcamp. The only thing he cares about is his dying mother—who’d rather die than fight her cancer—because he has no family outside of her. He’s petrified of being alone in life.
3. Chris’s ways: He realizes he’s stronger and more resilient than he thought. He finds his voice and stands his ground with the street-tough travel mate and builds a bond between them. He lets go of his fear of bootcamp and enlists.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Richard Whiteside.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Richard Whiteside.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by
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Rich Whiteside’s Transformational Journey
What I learned doing this assignment is the value in the process of structuring a profound story is working from the outside in. Define your beginning “failing in life” state and the end “on the path to a better future”.
1. Logline for the transformational journey: Chris, a high school push who desperately needs money fast, makes a drug run through the precarious Canadian–Montana wilderness in the dead of winter with a street-tough drug mule he can’t trust.
2. Chris’s old ways: Chris is unemployed, depressed, and feeling ignored and left out of life. He blames his father who bailed on him and his mother when he was young. Chris lets himself get pushed around. His mother has surrendered to the lung cancer and depends on Medicaid and her meager Social Security to scrape by. Without opportunity, guidance or mentorship, Chris’s life revolves around smoking weed and skateboarding while looking for part-time work. He has no idea what he wants to do with his life. He marvels at an Army poster about flying drones, but he doesn’t have the guts to sign up because he’s afraid of boot camp. The only thing he cares about is his dying mother—who’d rather die than fight her cancer—because he has no family outside of her. He’s petrified of being alone in life.
3. Chris’s ways: He realizes he’s stronger and more resilient than he thought. He finds his voice and stands his ground with the street-tough travel mate and builds a bond between them. He lets go of his fear of boot camp and enlists.
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