The Candle
At the beginning of the novel, during the commencement day ceremony at Welton Academy, a single candle is lit and used to light other candles. This process, it’s explained, is supposed to symbolize the light…
read analysis of The CandlePuck’s Crown
During his performance as Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Neil Perry wears a crown of flowers on his head—and before he kills himself, Neil put on his crown. The crown of flowers might…
read analysis of Puck’s CrownStanding on the Desk
In John Keating’s first and last scenes in the book, characters stand on desks in his classroom: in his first scene, he stands on the desk, and in the final scene, his students do—an…
read analysis of Standing on the Desk