Neil Perry:
I just talked to my father. He's making me quit the play at Henley Hall. Acting's everything to me. But he doesn't know! I can see his point; we're not a rich family, like Charlie's. But he's planning the rest of my life for me, and he's never asked me what I want!

John Keating:
Have you ever told your father what you just told me? About your passion for acting? You ever show him that?

Neil Perry:
I can't.

John Keating:
Why not?

Neil Perry:
I can't talk to him this way.

John Keating:
Then you're acting for him, too. You're playing the part of the dutiful son. I know this sounds impossible, but you have to talk to him. You have to show him who you are, where your heart is!

Neil Perry:
I know what he'll say! He'll tell me that acting is a whim and I should forget it. They're counting on me; he'll just tell me to put it out of my mind for my own good.

John Keating:
You are NOT an indentured servant! It's not a whim for you, and you prove it to him by your conviction and your passion! You show that to him, and if he still doesn't believe you - well, by then, you'll be out of school and can do anything you want.

Neil Perry:
I don't know - what about the play? The show's tomorrow night!

John Keating:
Then you have to talk to him before tomorrow night.

Neil Perry:
Is there an easier way?

John Keating:
No.

John Keating:
No you're not.