Essay Comparing Dead Poets Society And A Separate Peace

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There are many similarities between the 1989 film Dead Poets Society and A Separate Peace by John Knowles. Both pieces are about adolescent teens struggling to discover themselves. The similarities between the two works include many pairs of characters, such as Todd and Gene, Finny and Neal, and Mr. Keating and Finny. Todd and Gene are both shy teenagers who need someone to encourage them to come out of their shell. Finny and Neal are both leaders and Mr. Keating and Finny are both inspiration for change in Todd and Gene. These comparisons contribute to building the theme and plot in both of these works.
Two comparable characters in both the film and and novel are Todd and Gene. Both are introverts and one of the most dynamic characters in the two pieces. In the film, Dead Poets Society, it shows Todd’s insecurity with his writing. Similarly, Gene’s insecurities in A Separate Peace are noticeable when with Finny. As stated in the text “ What was I doing up here anyway? Why did I let Finny talk me into stupid things like this? Was he getting some kind of hold over me?” (Knowles 17). Gene’s self doubt is evident in this quote when it shows him questioning himself. Additionally, it further supports his uncertainty and …show more content…
Both of these characters are ambitious and show ability to take lead. The two have equally major impacts on the characters around them. For instance, Neal’s effect on Todd and Finny’s effect on Gene are quite significant in the both works. Finny’s influence on Gene can be noticed in the text “ ‘We’re off, pal,’ Finny would call out, acting against every instinct of my nature, I went without a thought of protest” (Knowles 34). As shown, Gene doesn’t question what Finny asks, which further supports how Finny has a major impression on Gene. Neal has similar, yet different, effect on Todd. He doesn’t have a control on him, but his impact is him giving Todd inspiration to show his true
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