Dead Poets Society Character Analysis

“Carpe diem boys, seize the day.” Mr. Keating, the English teacher in the Dead Poets Society, told this to his class because he wanted them to follow their own hearts and minds instead of the ideas that were taught at their strict boarding school. Thanks to “Carpe Diem” most of Keating’s students start a secret club that reads and discusses poetry. After awhile the students start to apply “Carpe Diem” to their everyday lives. Neil Perry took it to the fullest. Although Neil’s father has planned his life so he can become a doctor, Neil wants nothing to do with his planned life. Will Neil overcome this issue or will his father have what he wants for him? Neil Perry is a nice, popular student among the teachers and students. He has a good relationship with everyone except for his father. Since Neil is supposed to become a doctor, Mr. Perry does not want Neil to take on any other activities. Dead Poets Society got to Neil, and persuaded him to pursue something he wanted to do. Neil happened to like acting, so he auditioned to in the play “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” It appears that Neil does get a part, and that part is Puck. The day before play Mr. Perry comes down to the school, and tells Neil not to do the play, but Neil does end up doing the play. During the middle of the play, Mr. Perry walks in and Neil is scared. Although after the play, everyone congratulates Neil on his superb acting. As Neil is leaving his father get him, and tells him to go with him. Mr. Keating again goes to Neil and tells him how splendid of a job he did, but Mr. Perry then says “Stay away from my son!” Next thing you know, Neil is sitting down just sad, while his father is bickering about how acting is not the right choice for him vs becoming a doctor. Neil couldn’t take it anymore so he gets up, and tries to say something, but sadly nothing comes out. Later that night, Neil walks around the house looking for something, but you just don’t know what it is. Mr. Perry