Mr. Perry Quotes in Dead Poets Society (1989)

[Neil's father has just driven him home from his performance in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."]

Mr. Perry: We're trying very hard to understand why it is that you insist on defying us. Whatever the reason, we're not gonna let you ruin your life. Tomorrow I'm withdrawing you from Welton and enrolling you in Braighton Military School. You're going to Harvard, and you're gonna be a doctor.

Neil Perry: But, that's ten more years! Father, that's a *lifetime*!

Mr. Perry: Oh, stop it! Don't be so dramatic! You make it sound like a prison term! You don't understand, Neil! You have opportunities that I never even dreamt of, and I am not going to let you waste them!

Neil Perry: I've got to tell you what I feel!

Mrs. Perry: We've been so worried about you!

Mr. Perry: *What*? What? Tell me what you feel! What is it? Is it more of this, this *acting* business? Because you can forget that! What?

Neil Perry: [pauses] Nothing.

Mr. Perry: [pauses] Nothing? Well, then, let's go to bed.