Dead Poets Society Essay, Research Paper
The movie, The Dead Poet’s Society, was taken at a solemn
preparatory school called Welton Academy. The students had a new
inspirational English professor, John Keating. In Keating’s class, he taught
passion, courage, romanticism, and poetry. He also taught the concepts of
transcendentalism. It held that every individual can reach ultimate truths
through spiritual intuition. Inspired by Keating, the boys resurrect the
Dead Poets Society. As Keating turns the boys on to the great words of
poets, they discover not only the beauty of poetry, but also the importance
of making each moment count by the saying “seize the day” and “sound
your barbaric yawp.” However, they soon realize that their newfound
freedom can have tragic consequences.
The Dead Poet’s Society follows the life of Neil, who struggles to live
his life as an actor away from his overbearing father. His membership in
the society leads him to discover his passion for acting. But unfortuantely,
his unyielding father stands in the way of Neil’s dreams. He forbids him to
engage in any extracurricular activities which might interfer with his
studies. Mr. Perry wants his son to go to Harvard Medical School. Neil is
unhappy with his father’s decision and decides to end his life. His conflict
with his father is tragic, and in some ways, th
Todd is Neil’s shy and inhibited roommate who is trying to live up to
his brother’s expectations. He suffers from low self-esteem. After Keating’s
inspirational lessons, Todd finally learns to express himself and to cultivate
a sense of self-worth. He also learns to live his own life, not that of his
genius brother.
Knox is a charming love-struck romantic. He seeks to impress a
“taken” girl. The Dead Poets Society inspires Knox to find the courage to
declare his love to a cheerleader who attends the local public high school.
One day during school, Knox walks into Chris’s classroom and expresses his
love for her in a poem. Inspired by Keating, Knox expresses himself freely in
his own words.
The Dead Poet’s Society is revived, but not under the best
circumstances. The Society is discovered unordinary by other school
administrators. Therefore, Keating and his teachings are blamed. The
ending is tragic but bittersweet. I believe that Keating was a positive
influence on his students. Although, his students get swept away by his
enthusiastic spirit. I was impressed by the beauty of the word “thank you”
when Keating said it to the students when he left school. The Dead Poet’s
Society is an intellectually stimulating and emotionally involving movie.
Bibliography
My own thoughts