Conformity: The students are constantly encouraged to conform with the traditional values upheld by the school. This is reinforced by the repetition of the mantra of the school. Participating in religious ceremonies, participating in appropriate extra-curricular activities and “Free-thinking? Not on your life!” There are many symbols throughout the film. The “Pritchard” textbook symbolises conforming to traditional education where poetry is “rated.” The act of ripping out the pages is symbolic of rejecting these traditional ideas and embracing “free-thinking” The book of poetry used for the Dead Poets Society meetings on the other hand, symbolises a more passionate and individual approach to education where the students are encouraged to think for themselves and to contribute rather than simply read poetry.

Conservatism: Conservative values were a big part of life in the 1950’s. These values are constantly challenged in the film by the students. Conservative values related strongly to the family. A nuclear family made up of two parents and children. Divorce was not socially accepted. Clothing was conservative, men wore sensible clothing and women wore long skirts and heels and gender roles were rigid. These values were bought about due to WWII ending resulting in the baby boom and economic expansion. Education was very highly regarded. Academic success was highly sort after. In the film, this is challenged by Neil’s ambition to become an actor and reject his Father’s expectations that he become a doctor. The Music of Rock n Roll was invented and teenagers were embracing it in an attempt to break free from strict conservative societal conventions.

Patriarchy: Families in the 50’s were stereotypically, a nuclear family where the father was the head of the household. The film constantly reinforces this idea that “Father knows Best” and children should be “Seen and not heard” As quoted in the film, Neil is “playing the part of the dutiful son.” Despite Neil’s death being a result of these rigid rules set forth by society, his family refuses to acknowledge their part in his suicide and instead blame Keating for encouraging Neil to be a free-thinker and an actor. This theme is also conveyed in educational institutes in which all of the educators and administrators are men. The film is highlighting the role of men in 50’s society as the rule makers and enforcers. Neil’s mother, Mrs Perry is seen crying and is distressed at her son’s situation however she is not allowed to give her opinion, reinforcing the role of women during this time.

Authority and Discipline: The theme of discipline is reinforced throughout the film through the repetition of it as one of the schools mantra. “Tradition, Honor, Discipline, Excellence.” There are numerous occasions where discipline is used to suppress the students episodes of individuality. The constant threat of discipline is used to force the students to conform. The threat of expulsion is seen as the ultimate form of punishment reinforced by the value the students place in education and the status of the school as a successful and prestigious. The students are also encouraged to exercise self-discipline throughout the film. They are driven to succeed and spend their time studying in order to do so. Those in authority are rarely challenged except for the members of the Dead Poets Society. In the end of the film, order is restored after this challenge to authority. Keating is fired and the boys return to the traditional curriculum.

Sound and Music: Music is used to create a meaning and mood. Traditional Bagpipe music is used in the opening scene to symbolise tradition, rock n roll music is used to symbolise freedom and slow, sombre music is played during Neil’s final minutes reinforcing the tragic tone of the events. Lighting: Lighting is also used to create meaning and mood. Shadows and dark lighting is used during the groups first visit to the cave, creating a mysterious mood, highlighting the unknown. Brighter lighting highlights light-hearted moments in the film.

Camera Techniques: Extreme long or establishing shots used to show the setting such as when Todd ran to the lake. This specific scene reinforced the way Todd felt isolated after Neil’s death by highlighting how small he is compared to his surroundings. Close-ups were used to reinforce the symbolism of objects such as the pen in the scene where Todd is being forced to sign the false statement. The close-up highlights the significance of the pen as a tool to perpetuate the lie. Panning shots, such as the scene in the classroom of the bin, helps to show the significance of the focus object to the other subjects. As the bin passes by all of the boys it is collecting their torn out papers, symbolising their rejection of tradition, conformity and conservative values.

Camera Techniques: Editing techniques are used throughout the film when cutting from one students face to another. This helps to suggest a connection between their attitudes through a comparison of their expressions. An example is in the final scene when the students stand on their desk. Cutting between close-up shots of their faces highlights their shared admiration of Keating. High and Low angle shots are used to suggest power relationships and status. In the funeral scene, a low angle shot is used to highlight the authority of Nolan as he addresses the crowd Zoom is used to highlight the growing importance or attention an object receives. For example, as Keating reads the passage in Neil’s book, the camera zooms in on it, suggesting it is important.

Complete Contextual Background Questions Share as a class Watch the film. Highlighting various filming techniques and symbolism throughout the film. Discussing the way societies values have changed overtime. Record examples of techniques as you see them while watching the film. On A4 mind-map Go through the Filming Technique examples. Give students handout. Watch selected scenes again to demonstrate if needed On A3 paper, students brainstorm the themes while teacher reads the slide show aloud. Discuss as a class