Bring on the tough stuff. There’s not just one right answer.
- How does setting the film in 1959 affect the story? Would it be different if it took place today?
- How does the way Mr. Keating is introduced to the viewer foreshadow his experience at Welton?
- Who is the protagonist? Can there be more than one? If so, who are they?
- Do most of the adult characters have similar goals for the students? In what ways do they express them differently?
- How is the theme of "tradition" enforced in the way the students live their lives? Do they ever break free?
- How does Mr. Keating encourage his students to live out his values? Do his actions ever contradict the values he teaches? Do his actions ever enforce them?
- How does family play a part in the lives of the students? How do Todd and Neil's family experiences differ, and how are they similar?
- Would the film have the same impact if it had a different ending? Why or why not?
- How does the setting of the film help set the mood? Would it be different if it were set in sunny California? Why or why not?