Dead Poets Society

by

N. H. Kleinbaum

Dead Poets Society Symbols

The Candle

At the beginning of the novel, during the commencement day ceremony at Welton Academy, a single candle is lit and used to light other candles. This process, it’s explained, is supposed to symbolize the light…

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Puck’s Crown

During his performance as Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Neil Perry wears a crown of flowers on his head—and before he kills himself, Neil put on his crown. The crown of flowers might…

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Standing on the Desk

In John Keating’s first and last scenes in the book, characters stand on desks in his classroom: in his first scene, he stands on the desk, and in the final scene, his students do—an…

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