John Keating

John Keating affected the lives of many of his students in many ways. He was a stark

individualist who changed his ways for no one and tried to pass on individualism, determination,

free thinking, and living life to its fullest in a time when free thinking was stifled and people were

dangerous if they did things their own way.

In more ways than one John Keating affected Neil Perry and the way he lived his life.

Neil's every move was directed by his father. His father claimed that he had "opportunities that

he'd never had," and constantly pushed him to become a doctor. Neil felt trapped, because his

passion was acting, and he knew his father would never accept that.

When Neil began John Keating's English class, his behavior and thinking began to change

rapidly. He started doing his own thing, like the Dead Poet's Society, and tried out for the lead

part in a play, and when he got it, sat down at a typewriter and forged his father's permission in

order to take part in it. He began enjoying life more, feeling like he was accomplishing something.

He became more determined - he defied his father right up until his father informed him he'd be

going to military school, and after that, medical school. But in the end he gave up, and all of the

changes that he'd undergone prompted him to take action again, and because he saw no other

action to take, he shot himself. John Keating's lessons stuck with him to the end.

Todd Anderson was a shy, scared guy who felt unimportant and worthless. His parents

had never made an effort with him, never took the time to get to know him, never paid much

attention to him at all. When he started school he would hardly open him mouth to introduce

himself when people prompted him.

Keating, however, would not allow this and purposefully made him compose a poem

right off the top of his head in front of everyone in the class. Keating proved a point - that he did

have things to say, he did have his own thoughts and feelings, and they did make a difference

when he spoke them aloud. After that, Todd began speaking up more often, and sticking up for

what he believed in, like when Cameron accused Keating of making victims of them.

After Neil's death, Todd, like nearly everyone, signed the statement accusing Mr. Keating.

But Todd was still affected by the things that Keating had taught him, and in the end stood up -

literally - to make a statement. In doing so, he inspired others to do the same.

Knox Overstreet was an unrealized romantic until his path crossed John Keating's. Once

that happened, however, he learned to be bolder and never allow things to simply go by, but

seize them while there's still time. He began adjusting his life to this philosophy by calling the girl

he was in love with, and he ended up being invited to a party. While he was at the party, he put it

into practice again by kissing Chris. He was nearly pounded into the floor by her boyfriend, but he

didn't allow that to stop him. He marched into her school with a poem and flowers and followed

her right to her desk. He made a fool of himself reading the poem to her in front of everyone in

the room, but he got under her skin, exactly as he'd intended.

When Chris came to warn Knox to stay away, he only took the opportunity to insist that

she go to Neil's play with him, and pressed her until she gave in. He never stopped trying until he

got