Structure

The movie Dead Poets Society (1989) directed by Peter Weir tells the story of a group of students who are encouraged to think for themselves and pursue their dreams by an unconventional English teacher, John Keating.

The movie follows a chronological plot structure, presenting the events which unfold from the beginning of the 1959 school year, over the course of several months, until December. The narrative can be said to follow a three-act structure. 

The first act serves as an introduction, as it presents the setting and the characters. The movie begins with the opening ceremony at the start of the school year at Welton Academy. Todd meets Neil and his group of friends and acquaintances, we see a first conflict between Neil and his father, Keating’s first lesson takes place, and Knox meets Chris for the first time at the Danburrys. 

In the second act, Keating continues his unconventional lessons, and the Dead Poets Society is re-established at Neil’s initiative. Both Keating’s lessons and the Dead Poets Society meetings have a freeing impact on the boys, who begin to challenge authority and pursue their own dreams. 

The third act deals with the aftermath of Neil’s suicide, the boys being forced to sign the document blaming Keating, and Keating’s dismissal. 

The main plot of the narrative can be said to follow Neil, but also Todd. In fact, they are both the main characters of the film. The story appears to be told from Todd’s perspective, but it is also focused on Neil. Both are on a journey of self-discovery, influenced by Keating’s teachings. For Neil, the journey ends in tragedy, as his authoritarian father opposes his pursuit of acting. 

There are several conflicts in the story. The conflict between Neil and his father is one of the central conflicts of the f...