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Quizzes > Movies

Dead Poets Society quiz: Can you seize the day?

Quick, free Dead Poets Society trivia to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Quamrul HassanUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration with quill pen open book Carpe Diem text sky blue background Dead Poets Society quiz

This Dead Poets Society quiz helps you check what you remember from the film: iconic lines, classes with Keating, and moments at Welton. Get quick feedback as you answer, then try the Dead Poets Society character quiz or switch gears with the Ferris Bueller quiz.

Who directed the film Dead Poets Society?
Martin Scorsese
Steven Spielberg
Ron Howard
Peter Weir
Peter Weir is the acclaimed director of Dead Poets Society, released in 1989. Known for his poetic visual style, Weir brought to life the story of teacher John Keating at Welton Academy. The film helped launch Robin Williams as a dramatic actor.
At which fictional preparatory school is Dead Poets Society set?
St. Andrews Academy
Devon Prep
Hillman College
Welton Academy
Dead Poets Society takes place at the elite Welton Academy, an all-boys preparatory school in Vermont. The school's rigid system and motto conflict with Mr. Keating's unorthodox teaching. Many key scenes, like classroom moments and assemblies, occur on the Welton campus.
What Latin phrase does Mr. Keating famously encourage his students to embrace?
Ad Astra
Carpe Diem
Veni, Vidi, Vici
Et Tu, Brute?
Mr. Keating repeatedly urges his students to “Carpe Diem,” meaning “Seize the day.” This theme underpins the film’s message about living life fully. The phrase originates from the Roman poet Horace.
Which actor portrayed John Keating in the film?
Robin Williams
Mel Gibson
Tom Cruise
Samuel L. Jackson
Robin Williams gave one of his most memorable dramatic performances as English teacher John Keating. His portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Williams’ performance balances humor, warmth, and depth.
In what year is the story of Dead Poets Society set?
1979
1959
1969
1949
Dead Poets Society is set in 1959 at Welton Academy. The late 1950s backdrop highlights post–World War II conformity and traditional values. The film’s costumes and set design reflect this era.
What is the name of the secret club formed by the students?
Dead Poets Society
Welton Writers
The Literary Circle
Poets Unlimited
The students revive the 'Dead Poets Society,' a clandestine group meeting in a cave to read poetry. This club becomes a symbol of freedom and artistic expression for the boys. The name comes from an old invitation found by Todd.
Which student is notably shy and struggles to speak up before Keating arrives?
Charlie Dalton
Knox Overstreet
Todd Anderson
Neil Perry
Todd Anderson, played by Ethan Hawke, is transferred to Welton and initially too shy to participate in class. Under Keating’s encouragement, he finds his voice by the film’s end. His journey represents personal growth.
Which student develops a crush on the visiting actress Chris Noel?
Charlie Dalton
Todd Anderson
Neil Perry
Knox Overstreet
Knox Overstreet becomes infatuated with Chris Noel after seeing her at a school event. He writes her love letters and pursues her despite social obstacles. This subplot highlights youthful idealism.
Which student ultimately dies by suicide in the film?
Charlie Dalton
Todd Anderson
Knox Overstreet
Neil Perry
Neil Perry, overwhelmed by his father’s strict expectations, tragically takes his own life. His death becomes the crisis that leads to Mr. Keating’s dismissal. It underscores the film’s exploration of authority versus individual passion.
What are the four pillars of Welton Academy?
Justice, Wisdom, Patience, Strength
Tradition, Honor, Discipline, Excellence
Faith, Service, Friendship, Leadership
Truth, Courage, Integrity, Respect
Welton Academy’s motto highlights its pillars: Tradition, Honor, Discipline, and Excellence. These values contrast sharply with Mr. Keating’s message of individualism. The motto is displayed prominently on school buildings.
Who is the strict headmaster of Welton Academy who opposes Keating’s methods?
Mr. Anderson
Dr. Knox
Mr. Nolan
Mr. Perry
Mr. Gerald P. Nolan, portrayed by Norman Lloyd, serves as the stern headmaster. He values conformity and traditional discipline. Nolan clashes with Keating over teaching style and student freedoms.
Which Shakespearean character does Neil Perry play in the school production?
Macbeth
Hamlet
Puck
Romeo
Neil Perry stars as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, showcasing his love for acting. His father’s disapproval ultimately forces him to abandon the role. The play’s themes of freedom mirror Neil’s own struggle.
What classic poetry collection does Keating remove from the shelf during his first class?
Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
Paradise Lost by John Milton
Sonnets by Shakespeare
The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot
Mr. Keating takes Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass from the shelf to illustrate authentic experience over rote memorization. He encourages students to engage with original texts. Whitman’s themes of individualism resonate throughout the film.
What unusual exercise does Keating have his students perform on the first day to teach perspective?
Stand on their desks
Draw self-portraits
Climb a tree
Sing aloud
To show that looking at the world differently can change one’s perspective, Keating instructs the class to stand on their desks. This exercise embodies his teaching philosophy of challenging norms. It becomes a signature scene in the film.
Which poem by Walt Whitman is recited when Neil surprises his father in class?
Song of Myself
Crossing Brooklyn Ferry
O Me! O Life!
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer
Neil reads Whitman’s “O Me! O Life!” to his father in defiance, expressing his inner passion. The poem’s questions about life and purpose echo the film’s biggest themes. It marks a turning point in Neil’s rebellion.
What nickname do the students affectionately shout to address Mr. Keating?
Chief
Coach
Maestro
Captain
The students exuberantly call Mr. Keating “Captain” when gathering for the Dead Poets Society meetings. It symbolizes their loyalty and admiration. The chant underscores the bond between teacher and pupils.
What time do the students meet for their clandestine Dead Poets Society sessions?
5:00 AM
7:00 PM
Noon
10:00 PM
The boys gather at 5:00 AM to hold their secret poetry readings in an abandoned cave. The predawn meeting time adds to the sense of rebellion. It also highlights their dedication to Keating’s ideals.
Who narrates the story of Dead Poets Society?
Todd Anderson
Neil Perry
Charlie Dalton
Mr. Keating
The film’s narration is provided by Todd Anderson, recounting the events at Welton Academy years later. His reflective voiceover frames the story and underscores the emotional impact. This narrative device ties the plot together.
Who wrote the poem 'O Captain! My Captain!' that is recited by the students?
Walt Whitman
T. S. Eliot
Emily Dickinson
Robert Frost
“O Captain! My Captain!” was written by Walt Whitman to mourn President Lincoln. In the film, the students recite it to honor Mr. Keating. The poem’s themes of leadership and loss mirror the story’s climax.
What profession does Mr. Perry insist Neil pursue instead of acting?
Accountant
Doctor
Lawyer
Engineer
Neil’s father, Mr. Perry, demands that Neil follow a stable path and become a doctor. He sees acting as frivolous and dangerous. This conflict between parental expectation and personal passion drives the tragic turn of events.
What item does Mr. Keating tear out to demonstrate individuality and free thought?
Pages from a textbook
A newspaper article
A student’s essay
A school rulebook
In his first class, Keating rips out two pages from a textbook to show the students that they can challenge conformity. This dramatic gesture underscores his philosophy of questioning authority. The act shocks the boys into paying attention.
Which Shakespeare play does Neil initially choose for the school production?
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Romeo and Juliet
Macbeth
Hamlet
Neil selects A Midsummer Night’s Dream and wants to play Puck. His father overrules the choice, requesting a more serious play for scholarship reasons. The choice connects to the film’s themes of imagination and constraint.
Which alias does Charlie Dalton adopt during the Dead Poets Society meetings?
Captain
Puck
Professor Keating
Nuwanda
Charlie Dalton gives himself the nickname 'Nuwanda' to embody free-spirited rebellion. He uses this alias in the society’s invitation and in defiance of school rules. It reflects his bold personality.
How does Neil obtain permission to rehearse for the play without his father’s knowledge?
He stays after school secretly
He forges a note from his mother
He bribes a teacher
He lies about a study group
Desperate to act, Neil forges his mother’s signature on a permission slip. This deceit illustrates the lengths he’ll go to follow his passion. The forgery leads to conflict when his father discovers the truth.
Which literary work does Keating quote to illustrate individual perspective in class?
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
The Odyssey
The Iliad
Leaves of Grass
Keating references Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass to emphasize self-expression and breaking from the collective. This work is central to his teaching philosophy. The poetry collection underlines themes of freedom and individualism.
What piece of music plays as Neil rehearses his lines alone on stage?
Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata
Chopin’s Nocturne
Pachelbel’s Canon
Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata plays softly as Neil practices his Shakespearean role, adding emotional weight to his private dedication. The music underscores his passion and the pathos of his situation. Film scoring choices enhance key character moments.
In Mr. Keating’s classroom, what word is carved into the desk that prompts an early lesson on conformity?
Carpe
Loyalty
Thinking
Unity
Keating notices the word “Thinking” carved into a desk and uses it to discuss the dangers of mindless conformity. He encourages the class to think for themselves rather than follow the crowd. This sets the stage for his unorthodox teachings.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Quotes and Scenes -

    After completing the quiz, readers will be able to accurately remember and recount key lines and pivotal moments from Dead Poets Society.

  2. Identify Character Traits -

    Readers will distinguish primary characters by their unique personalities, motivations, and story arcs within the film.

  3. Analyze Thematic Elements -

    Participants will explore themes such as Carpe Diem, individuality, and conformity and discuss how they drive the narrative.

  4. Evaluate Film Trivia -

    Users will sharpen their knowledge of lesser-known facts and behind-the-scenes details, enhancing their overall appreciation of the film.

  5. Determine Your Character Match -

    Based on quiz results, readers will discover which Dead Poets Society character they most closely align with, reflecting on personal insights.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Carpe Diem Theme -

    The Latin phrase "Carpe Diem" serves as the film's beating heart, drawn from Horace's Odes (Odes 1.11) and emphasized throughout Welton Academy's curriculum. Remember "Seize the Day" by picturing a flock of birds taking flight (mnemonic: SD = Seize Day), symbolizing freedom and self-discovery. Academic studies from university classics departments confirm its enduring impact on modern storytelling.

  2. Character Archetypes -

    The Dead Poets Society ensemble maps neatly onto five classic archetypes - Leader (Mr. Keating), Innocent (Todd), Rebel (Neil), Lover (Knox) and Sage (Charlie) - making it easy to answer which Dead Poets Society character are you or what Dead Poets Society character are you. Use the "SWORD" trick (Student, Warmer, Observer, Rebel, Dreamer) to recall each role's traits. Studies in media psychology from top universities note these archetypes enhance audience connection and thematic depth.

  3. Iconic Quotes & Literary References -

    The film interweaves actual Walt Whitman lines, notably "O Captain! My Captain!" from Whitman's elegy, reinforcing reverence and rebellion. Create a mental ship deck scene (mnemonic: Deck = Dad, Enthroned, Commands, Keeps) to remember this moment. Film scholars at accredited institutions highlight how these literary nods build emotional resonance.

  4. Cinematography & Setting -

    Shot on location in Delaware College's classic halls, the movie's warm color palette and symmetrical framing reflect 1950s New England tradition versus individual expression. Recall "Warm Frames = Wise Roots" as a guide to analyze each shot's mood. Official film studies programs cite these visuals as central to the movie's timeless feel.

  5. Historical Context & Soundtrack -

    Set in 1959, the score features 19th-century piano compositions by Maurice Ravel, underscoring tension between conformity and creativity. Use "RAVEL=Rich, Atmospheric, Vivid, Emotional, Ludic" to identify five musical moments that drive narrative beats. University musicology journals praise the soundtrack's role in supporting thematic layers.

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