Chapter One: Welcome to Welton Academy
The story begins with a welcome ceremony at Welton Academy, a prestigious boarding school in Vermont, in 1959. The school's four pillars - tradition, honor, discipline, and excellence - are emphasized during the event. We are introduced to the main characters, including Neil Perry, Todd Anderson, Knox Overstreet, and Charlie Dalton, as well as their new English teacher, John Keating.
Highlight: Welton Academy was founded in 1859, exactly 100 years before the story takes place.
Quote: "O Captain! My Captain!" - This phrase, which students use to address Mr. Keating, becomes a significant motif throughout the story.
The chapter sets the stage for the conflicts and character development that will unfold throughout the Dead Poets Society book. It introduces the strict, traditional atmosphere of Welton Academy, which will soon be challenged by Mr. Keating's unconventional teaching methods.
Vocabulary: Extracurricular activities - Additional activities outside of regular academic studies, such as sports or clubs.