Neil Perry
1. Neil Perry relationship with his father is one with a lack of communication and misunderstanding. Thought the film, Neil and his father are conflicted. We see this first when Mr. Perry tell Neil and he is no longer allowed to work for the school’s paper. His father is controlling, and strongly believes in tradition, and if he allowed Neil to work on the paper he would be going against his own parenting. I believe that the pressure and strict lifestyle that Mr. Perry has put on Neil is what lead him to his suicide.
Neil’s life within a classroom is far from a struggle. He is able to achieve straight A’s, and doesn’t question the teaching strategies Mr. Keating introduces to his English class. In fact, he welcomes them. Neil’s relationship with Mr. Keating allows him to embrace his fears. It is Mr. Keating that encourages Neil to talk to his father about acting in the play.
2. Neil is a tall, not very athletic looking young man and if he were to be placed into a stereotype, he would be depicted as a nerd. Neil wears his school uniform in a classic manner, which symbolizes his self-discipline as a student. There is a certain awkwardness that comes with Neil’s character, and I think it has to do with that fact that he is trying to find himself. Neil is constantly conflicted with doing as he is told, or doing what he wants to do, and it awkwardly stuck in between the two.
Neil’s tone of voice while talking to his peers is one of confidence. Whatever he says to them, he says without a hint of doubt. For example, during a meeting of the Dead Poet’s Society, Neil reads aloud his poem with poise. On the other hand, while Neil is talking to his father, he no longer speaks with confidence. His tone becomes weak and vulnerable. On several occasions Neil tries to rebel against his father by standing up for himself, however, each time his father doesn’t allow it. Showing how controlled Neil is by his