Dead Poets Society

DPS Seminar Alternate Assignment

Examine how Mr. Keating is a martyr (Christ-like figure). Webster defines Martyr as "a person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a religion; a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of a principle; a victim." Consider each of the definitions and explain how Keating fits each one. Make sure to include his impact on the boys.

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Mr. Keating sacrifices his job and reputation for his boys. The school was looking for a scapegoat to blame the death of Neil on. Keating imparted wisdom and truth to the boys. It was a truth that went against the educational philosophy of the school. Christ too imparted wisdom that went against what the Pharisees taught at the time. Rather than fight for his job and bring added stress to his boys, Keating leaves the school in disgrace. He lets his boys complete their elite education without school pressure