Essay/Term paper: Similarities in "miss jean brodie", "dead poets society", and "the trial and death of socrates"

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Death of a Salesman

Similarities in "Miss Jean Brodie", "Dead Poets Society", and "The Trial and
Death of Socrates"

Paul B. Campano

These three works share numerous similarities. The most obvious of
these is their character's desire and commitment to instructing and teaching
youth. Miss Jean Brodie dedicated a major part of her life to "her girls". She
would have done anything to help them. As time went along, she grew too close
to them. As we saw, she was eventually betrayed by one of her own girls. She
had her heart in the right place. She never did anything maliciously toward the
girls. She did not realize that there was a need to draw a line. It is too bad
that she was treated as though she had done something wrong. The headmaster
should have directed her venom at someone who was more deserving.
Professor Keating is another who had his pupils best interests at heart.
His teaching methods were eccentric, but his point always came across loud and
clear. He was idolized by his students. In a school of such dignity and
staunchness, his approach was a breath of fresh air. He was never afraid to put
himself on the line if it meant that his students were to gain. This was no
more evident than with the Dead Poets Society. He knew that if it were ever
uncovered by the faculty higher-ups his job would be, at least, in serious
jeopardy. This is another case of needless persecution of someone with the best
of intentions. It is ridiculous to think that he could have been implicated in
any way to the suicide of one of his students. Firing Professor Keating was the
biggest disservice that the administration could have done to the student body.

The most extreme case of this senseless persecution is that of Socrates.
Here is a man of little means. His only desire was to try to enlighten others,
as well as himself. Was this not a noble cause? His demeanor was rough at
times, but his intentions were still pure. How can you punish, much less put to
death, a man such as Socrates? Apparently the jury knew. Their decision to
convict and kill Socrates was outrageous. It can probably be best compared to
Tienimen Square. Anyone who dares to challenge the norm or go against authority
they will be crushed. Socrates should have escaped and taught elsewhere. His
aim was to enlighten and to be enlightened; neither of which can he achieve from
the grave.
Miss Jean Brodie, Dead Poets Society, and The Trial and Death of
Socrates all share one thing. They each had a protagonist that was well liked
by his or her students, had their students best interests at heart, and was
eventually punished for their caring and dedication.