Thornton Melon's English professor encourages him to recite the poem "Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night" by Dylan Thomas then asks for his interpretation. Thornton provides a curt but powerful response.
Nick teaches his son how to think about the writing prompt that his teacher assigned him. He encourages his son to think beyond the parameters that his teacher set for the prompt and reinforces the idea that you are never wrong if you are able to argue correctly.
Sergeant Mark orders vowel letterhead "O" to state his long and short sounds. He also asks the letterhead to state his sound when used in the words, "not" and "note."