*All the boys are settling down on their chairs and talking to each other*
Mr. Keating
*walks into the classroom while whistling. He keeps on walking, until he reaches the
other side of the classroom.*
Well come on! Follow me!
All
*Very confused, follow Mr. Keating*
Mr. Keating
*stops in front of a trophy cabinet*
Oh captain, my captain. Who knows where that comes from? Anybody? No?
It's from a poem by Walt Whitman. In this class you can either call me Mr. Keating,
or, if you're a bit more daring. Oh captain, my captain.
Now. Mr... Pitts. Rather an unfortunate name. Would you like to open your book on
page 542 and read the first stanza of the poem you find there.
Pitts
To virgins to make much of time?
Mr. Keating
Yes, that one. Somewhat appropriate isn't it?
Pitts
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. Old time is still a-flying. And this flower that
smiles today, tomorrow will be dying.
Mr. Keating
Thank you Mr. Pitts. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. In latin terms you can say
"Carpe Diem". Now who knows what that means?
Meeks
*holds up his hand* Carpe Diem, that's seize the day, sir.
Mr. Keating
Very good Mr. ?
Meeks
Meeks.
Mr. Keating
Meeks, another unusual name. Seize the day! Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. Why
does the writer use these lines?
Charlie
Because he's in a hurry.
Mr. Keating
No! Ding! Thank you for playing anyway.
All
*laugh*
Mr. Keating
Because we are food for worms, lads. Because believe it or not, each and everyone of
us in this room, will one day stop breathing, turn cold and die. I would like you to step
over here.
All
*step closer to the trophy cabinet*
Mr. Keating
Now really look at the faces from the past. You've walked past them so often you
forget that they're here. But they are. And it's important not to forget!
They're not that different from you are they? The same clothes, same haircuts. They
believe they're destined for great things. Just like you. Their eyes are full of hope. just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make their lives worth living? Because you see, gentlemen. These boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen really closely... You can hear them whisper their legacy to you.
All
*lean in*
Mr. Keating
Listen. Do you hear it?
*starts whispering*
Carpe... Carpe Diem... Seize the day boys. And make your lives extraordinary.