Did the boys know how to think for themself? Give an example

The boys were very good at rote learning and interpretation of text within the confines of accepted theory. They however were not used to thinking outside of the box or creating new ideas uniquely their own. Mr. Keating tries to have his boys break out of their rigid conformity, especially when it comes to literature and poetry. There is that great scene when Keating has his boys walk in their own style around the courtyard. Charlie Dalton is not walking and tells Mr. Keating that he is exercising his right not to walk. Here we see Charlie thinking for himself.