Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society Imagery

Landscapes

There are many establishing nature shots in Dead Poets Society, some of beautiful sunsets, others of flocks of birds taking to the sky, or of fresh snow falling early in the morning.

Todd looking small by the lake

Trying to cope with Neil's suicide, Todd runs down to the lake next to Welton and stands on the dock; the camera zooms out to show us a wide shot of the snowy lake, with Todd appearing minuscule at the bottom of the screen, a representation of how little and out of control he feels.

Paintings/images depicting young boys

There are many depictions of young boys like Neil, Todd, and his friends, including the film's opening shot of the two young boys in the painting, as well as the photos of past Welton alumni that Keating shows the boys on their first day of classes.

Neil as Jesus Christ

Just before taking his own life, Neil places Puck's crown on his head and stands looking somber, creating an image similar to Jesus Christ with the crown of thorns on his head, a representation of Neil as a kind of martyr.