Dead Poets Society: Imagery 1 key example

Kleinbaum's imagery paints a vivid picture of Todd’s inability to speak with confidence and authority. Ironically, this involves describing what is barely heard—“his voice barely audible,” “whispered”—as well as what is seen—“started to shake,” “beads of sweat,” “knuckles turned white." While many authors make use of imagery, it is a particularly important type of figurative language for Kleinbaum, whose book is based on a screenplay. In other words, Kleinbaum is transforming a piece of writing which was designed to be performed visually and audibly into a book that is read. Imagery, like in the quotation above, is especially useful for bridging that gap between screen and book.

The imagery emphasizes Todd’s timidness: his inability to speak loudly is highlighted in particular, as is his physical, on-the-verge-of-tears response to the situation. Establishing this character trait in the protagonist is particularly important as, through the Dead Poets Society and the teaching of Mr. Keating, Todd is eventually able to overcome this fear. The fact that Todd is unable to talk back to Headmaster Nolan specifically is significant as the book ends with Todd standing up to Headmaster Nolan: Todd refuses to blame Mr. Keating for Neil’s death even after other students already have, and he stands on his desk to bid farewell to Mr. Keating against Headmaster Nolan’s protests. This instance of imagery then underscores Mr. Keating’s skill as a teacher—for he was able to build up Todd's confidence—while also making the conclusion of the novel, where Todd finally does stand up to Headmaster Nolan, that much more impactful.