Description
As students watch the 1989 film Dead Poets Society, directed by Peter Weir, they complete a structured set of film analysis questions designed to deepen comprehension and explore the film’s meaning, themes, and purpose. This resource helps students move beyond passive viewing by encouraging close analysis, inference, and thoughtful discussion. (The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes.)
Throughout the viewing experience, students respond to comprehension and analysis questions that require them to examine character development, motivations, conflicts, and key moments. These questions push students to make inferences, cite evidence from the film, and connect emotionally and intellectually to the characters and their choices.
To extend learning and encourage personal reflection, students also complete a free verse poetry writing activity inspired by Walt Whitman’s poem “O Me! O Life!”. This creative response allows students to connect the film’s themes—such as identity, conformity, individuality, and seizing the day—to their own lives while experimenting with poetic expression.
This lesson includes 22 film-based comprehension and analysis questions, a complete answer key, and a free verse writing assignment with a clear prompt and rubric. An editable version of the lesson is also included, allowing teachers to modify questions or expectations to meet the needs of their students.
Perfect for middle school and high school ELA, this Dead Poets Society film analysis and poetry response lesson blends literary analysis, film study, and creative writing into a meaningful and engaging classroom experience.