dead poets society thematic essay

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Unseizing the Day: A Psychoanalytic Review of the movie “Dead Poets Society”

Released in 1989, "Dead Poets Society" is a timeless classic directed by Peter Weir. The film is set in the strict and prestigious Welton Academy, and follows the transformative journey of a group of students under the guidance of their unconventional English teacher, Mr. John Keating (portrayed by Robin Williams). The film not only explores themes of conformity, rebellion, and self-discovery but also delves into the complexities of the human psyche, where Keating manages to ignite a love for poetry and a yearning for self-discovery within a group of boys seeking for liberation.

A Legacy of Inspiration and Controversy

At the time the film's production was not without its challenges. Tom Schulman, the screenwriter, drew on his experiences at a similar elite boarding school, where a charismatic teacher nurtured his love for literature. The studio initially expressed reservations about the film's themes, fearing it might glorify recklessness. However, “Dead Poets Society” defied expectations upon its release, and became a critical as well as commercial success and garnered numerous accolades, including an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Moving on, before we delve into the psychoanalytic aspects of the film, it's essential to understand its historical context. "Dead Poets Society'' is set in the post-World War II era, which was marked by societal expectations, rigid norms, and a conservative educational system. The Welton Academy represents the epitome of such conformity, putting great emphasis on tradition, discipline, and adherence to authority.

Against this backdrop, Mr. Keating emerges as a catalyst for change. He moves through the film challenging the status quo and encouraging his students to embrace individuality, creativity, and pursue their passions. Drawing inspiration from the Romantic poets, Keating's unorthodox teaching methods ignite a spark of rebellion and self-exploration among his students, leading to not just profound personal growth but also tragic consequences.

Beyond the Surface: A Psychoanalytic Lens

While Dead Poets Society appears to be a coming-of-age story on the surface, a deeper analysis reveals a complex interplay of psychoanalytic themes. Here we will attempt to delve into the psyche of the characters and the film’s exploration of character development.

The Stifling Superego and the Yearning for Liberation:

Welton Academy represents a rigid social order, with its emphasis on tradition, discipline, and parental expectations. This environment functions as a superego, the internalized moral compass instilled by parents and society. The boys are burdened by the weight of these expectations, leading to feelings of anxiety and a sense of self-estrangement. Keating's arrival disrupts this order. He embodies the id, the seat of primal desires and instinctual drives. His unconventional methods encourage the boys to question authority and explore their passions. The film becomes a battle between the superego's stifling demands and the id's yearning for freedom.

Through poetry, theater, and personal expression, the students engage in forms of escapism that allow them to explore their identities and aspirations. Poetry, in particular, becomes a means of catharsis and self-expression, providing a psychological outlet for their innermost thoughts and emotions. However, this escapism also serves as a temporary reprieve from the harsh realities they face, highlighting the complexities of identity formation in adolescence.

The Power of the Carpe Diem Philosophy:

Keating's central message, "Carpe Diem," urges the students to seize the day and embrace life fully. This resonates with the concept of the ego, which strives to find a balance between the superego and the id. By encouraging them to pursue their passions, Keating helps the boys develop a stronger ego, allowing them to assert themselves while navigating the demands of their environment.

The film intricately explores the tension between conformity and individuality. The students' initial conformity to Welton's rules and societal norms gradually gives way to self-discovery and rebellion. Each character represents different facets of the human psyche, from Todd's insecurity and fear of failure to Knox's romantic idealism and Charlie's defiance against authority.

The Oedipal Conflict and the Search for Father Figures:

The film can also be interpreted through the lens of the Oedipal complex, a Freudian concept that posits a child's unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the same-sex parent. Here, the students can be seen as yearning for a more nurturing and inspirational father figure. The strict and distant fathers, represented by the school's headmaster, Mr. Nolan, fail to provide the emotional support and encouragement the boys crave.

The relationship between Neil Perry and his father is also an excellent example for the same. Neil's passion for acting clashes with his father's rigid expectations of academic success and a predetermined future. This conflict ultimately leads to Neil's tragic demise, symbolizing the psychological struggle between individual desire and parental authority.

Mr. Keating, on the other hand, embodies the archetype of the father figure, symbolizing authority, wisdom, and guidance. From a psychoanalytical perspective, Keating serves as a surrogate father to his students, offering them the emotional support and mentorship lacking in their own lives.

Tragic Consequences of Unbridled Passion: A Lasting Impact

The film doesn't shy away from portraying the potential pitfalls of unbridled passion. Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), a deeply insecure student, becomes overwhelmed by Keating's teachings. His misguided interpretation of carpe diem leads him to make a fatal decision. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of striking a balance between embracing our desires and acknowledging the boundaries set by society.

Dead Poets Society's enduring legacy lies in its ability to spark conversations about education, individuality, and the importance of critical thinking. The film's themes resonate with audiences of all ages, especially those navigating the tumultuous years of adolescence. Moreover, "Dead Poets Society" continues to be studied in academic settings, with scholars analyzing its psychological nuances and thematic depth. The movie's enduring relevance speaks to its ability to resonate with audiences on a profound emotional and intellectual level, transcending its initial release to become a timeless masterpiece.

However, the film's tragic climax serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of stifling creativity and suppressing individuality, prompting viewers to reflect on their own lives and choices. The film has also faced criticism for potentially romanticizing rebellion and failing to acknowledge the potential consequences of defying authority. While Neil's tragedy serves as a cautionary tale, the film ultimately celebrates the transformative power of education and the importance of fostering authentic human connection

Conclusion: A Celebration of the Human Spirit

In conclusion, "Dead Poets Society" stands as a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the depths of the human psyche while exploring themes of conformity, rebellion, and self-discovery. Through a psychoanalytical lens, the film unveils the complexities of identity formation, the struggle for autonomy, and the interplay between individual desires and societal expectations.

By psychoanalyzing the characters' motivations, relationships, and actions, viewers gain insights into their own psychological landscapes and the universal challenges of navigating adolescence and adulthood. "Dead Poets Society" continues to captivate audiences with its timeless message of seizing the day, embracing individuality, and daring to defy the constraints of society and self-doubt.

Ultimately, the film's impact on audiences is profound, inspiring viewers to reevaluate their values, pursue their passions, and strive for authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. As Mr. Keating famously declares, "Carpe Diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary." And in doing so, the film itself has left an extraordinary mark on the hearts and minds of all who have experienced its transformative narrative.

-Yuvika Kaushik

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Dead Poets Society

N. h. kleinbaum.

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

The first scene of the novel conveys the preeminence of conformity at Welton Academy: Welton’s students dutifully file into the chapel, dressed in the same school blazers and reciting the same “four pillars” of success at Welton (tradition, honor, discipline, excellence). In a way, conformity—the blind emphasis on sameness and repetition—is the real villain of Dead Poets Society . It’s important to understand where conformity comes from and why it has the potential to be so dangerous.

The four pillars of Welton—tradition, honor, discipline, and excellence—are different aspects of the same conformist model of success, a model that by definition can’t work for everyone. Both in school and in life, Welton students are ordered to follow the same rules. Ultimately, the point of following the rules is to achieve “success,” but only in the narrow, material sense of getting good grades, going to a good school, and finding a high-paying job. In this way, the four pillars of Welton are designed to force students to aspire for the same kinds of success—and, essentially, to become the same people.

At times, the novel is sympathetic to the idea of conformity—there are, after all, times when it’s good to follow the rules and pursue the same kinds of success that other people have achieved. Mr. Perry , the father of Neil Perry , a Welton Academy student, seems to genuinely care about his son, even if he expresses his love through the language of conformity and discipline. Mr. Perry, it’s implied, comes from a poor family, and so wants his son to have the best life possible—and as he sees it, this means forcing Neil to do well in school, go to Harvard, and become a prosperous doctor. So one clear advantage of “success” as Welton defines it is that it produces students who can support themselves financially, find challenging, fulfilling work, and raise a family.

Nevertheless, the novel is mostly skeptical of Welton’s model of success, because it forces young people to conform to rules that don’t work for everyone, a state that often produces more misery than happiness. The ultimate goal of studying hard and following the rules, one would think, is that it produces lasting happiness. But, as the novel emphasizes again and again, many of the students of Welton, as well as their parents, are conspicuously unhappy. Students hate their parents for micromanaging their lives and forcing them to study hard. By the same token, the parents of Welton students have become so obsessed with the idea of making their children “successful” that it’s overshadowed their natural affection for their children. (In the novel, not a single parent of a Welton student is portrayed positively.) Ultimately, conformity has no psychological or spiritual “payoff”—it just produces more conformity. The same could be said of Welton’s understanding of success—students are trained to achieve “success for the sake of success,” not for their own happiness.

At the end of the novel, we see the moral bankruptcy of Welton’s celebration of success and conformity. After Neil Perry’s suicide, the Welton headmaster, Gale Nolan , scrambles to find a teacher to blame for the tragedy. In the end, he holds John Keating responsible for Neil’s suicide, and fires him from the school. As the students of Welton recognize right away, Nolan doesn’t really blame Keating for Neil’s death at all—he just wants to avoid a scandal that would jeopardize Welton’s alumni relations, and therefore its status as an elite, “successful” school. This suggests that Welton’s emphasis on “conformity for the sake of conformity” is even more sinister than it appears: Nolan is more concerned with his own professional success than with right and wrong or the welfare of his students. Ultimately, the novel shows that Welton’s overemphasis on conformity produces shallow, morally blind, deeply unhappy people.

Conformity and Success ThemeTracker

Conformity and Success Quotes in Dead Poets Society

Sixteen-year-old Todd Anderson, one of the few students not wearing the school blazer, hesitated as the boys around him rose to their feet. His mother nudged him up. His face was drawn and unhappy, his eyes dark with anger. He watched silently as the boys around him shouted in unison, “Tradition! Honor! Discipline! Excellence!”

The audience rose to a standing ovation as the octogenarian haughtily shunned offers of help from those beside him and made his way to the podium with painstaking slowness. He mumbled a few words that the audience could barely make out, and, with that, the convocation came to an end.

As the other boys stared at him, Todd fought back tears. “You'll like soccer here, Anderson. All right, boys. Dismissed.”

His eyes raging, Mr. Perry hissed at his son. “I will not be disputed in public, do you understand me?”

Did most of them not wait until it was too late before making their lives into even one iota of what they were capable? In chasing the almighty deity of success, did they not squander their boyhood dreams? Most of those gentlemen are fertilizing daffodils now!

He stood silent at the back of the room, then slowly walked to the front. All eyes were riveted on his impassioned face. Keating looked around the room. “What will your verse be?” he asked intently. The teacher waited a long moment, then softly broke the mood. “Let's open our texts to page 60 and learn about Wordsworth's notion of romanticism.”

“Ah,” McAllister laughed, “free thinkers at seventeen!” “I hardly pegged you as a cynic,” Keating said, sipping a cup of tea. “Not a cynic, my boy,” McAllister said knowingly. “A realist! Show me the heart unfettered by foolish dreams, and I'll show you a happy man!”

“I feel like I've never been alive,” Charlie said sadly, as he watched Neil go. “For years, I've been risking nothing. I have no idea what I am or what I want to do. Neil knows he wants to act. Knox knows he wants Chris.”

Todd stood still for a long time. Keating walked to his side. “There is magic, Mr. Anderson. Don't you forget this.” Neil started applauding. Others joined in. Todd took a deep breath and for the first time he smiled with an air of confidence.

“You know what Dad called me when I was growing up? ‘Five ninety-eight.’ That's what all the chemicals in the human body would be worth if you bottled them raw and sold them. He told me that was all I'd ever be worth unless I worked every day to improve myself. Five ninety-eight.”

I'd like to announce that I've published an article in the school paper, in the name of the Dead Poets Society, demanding girls be admitted to Welton, so we can all stop beating off.

Charlie held the receiver out to Nolan. “It's God. He said we should have girls at Welton,” Charlie said into the phone as a blast of laughter from the students filled the old stone chapel.

“There is a place for daring and a place for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for.” Keating said. “But I thought …” Charlie stammered. “Getting expelled from this school is not an act of wisdom or daring. It's far from perfect but there are still opportunities to be had here.”

“What is wrong with old habits, Mr. Overstreet?” “They perpetuate mechanical living, sir,” Knox maintained. “They limit your mind.”

“You have opportunities I never dreamed of!” Mr. Perry shouted. “I won't let you squander them.” He stalked out of the room.

“Damn it, even if the bastard didn't pull the trigger, he …” Todd’s sobs drowned his words until, finally, he controlled himself. “Even if Mr. Perry didn't shoot him,” Todd said calmly, “he killed him. They have to know that!”

“Cameron's a fink! He's in Nolan's office right now, finking!” “About what?” Pitts asked. “The club, Pitts. Think about it.” Pitts and the others looked bewildered. “They need a scapegoat,” Charlie said. “Schools go under because of things like this.”

It is Mr. Keating's blatant abuse of his position as a teacher that led directly to Neil Perry's death.

As Nolan started down the aisle toward him, Knox, on the other side of the room, called out Mr. Keating's name and stood up on his desk too. Nolan turned toward Knox. Meeks mustered up his courage and stood up on his desk. Pitts did the same. One by one, and then in groups, others in the class followed their lead, standing on their desks in silent salute to Mr. Keating.

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Individuality In Dead Poets Society

Individualism is a fundamental value in American society. It is the belief that each person should be self-reliant and independent. This value is expressed in many ways, including the desire for privacy and freedom of expression. Individualism is also a key element of the American Dream, which is the belief that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination.

The film Dead Poets Society explores the importance of individualism in a number of ways. The main character, Todd Anderson, learns to embrace his individuality and express himself freely. He also learns that it is important to follow his own heart, even if it means going against the wishes of his family and society. Other characters in the film also learn the importance of self-expression and independence.

Ultimately, the film Dead Poets Society celebrates the power of individualism. It shows that it is possible for individuals to achieve great things when they embrace their uniqueness and express themselves freely.

Dead Poets Society explores the themes of rebellion and finding one’s sense of self-worth. The conflicts the characters face effectively demonstrates the fundamental ideas of individuality and liberty. Neil Perry’s inability to subjugate his father’s authority resulted in his suicide, which was the only way he saw to take charge of his life. Todd Anderson’s inability to speak in front of others was overcome towards the end of the film with some experiments done by their English teacher, Mr Keating.

Knox Overstreet who was ridiculed by his classmates for being homosexual, found the courage to stand up against them and embrace himself for who he was. Keating helped all the boys find themselves and be proud of it. Individualism is about making your own decisions without being influenced by society or others. This film emphasises that idea and how important it is to be true to yourself.

It teaches us that there is more than one way to achieve success and that there isn’t a single path we must all take in life. The Dead Poets Society encourages people to think for themselves and not just blindly follow what everyone else is doing. It also highlights the importance of self-expression which can be very liberating. Overall, this film is a great example of how individualism can help people find their true selves and live a more fulfilling life.

Knox Overstreet has a special moment when he first stood on a table to pay his respects to Mr Keating and was the only person who understood what Mr Keating meant by a man’s life ruled by passion. Knox Overstreet gets obsessed with Chris after just seeing her once, and he risks his relationship with his family in order to courts her affection. The characters in all of these stories acquire separate authority as a result of their decisions; they begin to overcome their problems.

The film showcases the power of individualism and how it can help people to find their true passions in life. It also shows that standing up for what you believe in, even if it means going against authority, can be incredibly rewarding. The characters in Dead Poets Society are all incredibly unique and they each bring something special to the table. This is what makes the film so powerful; it’s a celebration of individuality and self-expression.

When his father finds out about how Neil misled him, Mr Perry is enraged. Mr Perry maintains power over Neil’s life and keeps an eye on his actions, even when he praises his son’s magnificent performance in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Although, what Mr. Perry aims to achieve is not feasible because Neil has already tasted freedom. Neil fights his fear and tries to talk with his father, but he is unable to express himself due to his inability to communicate properly.

Individualism is a main theme in Dead Poets Society as the boys are trying to find themselves and figure out who they want to be. For Neil, it’s about standing up to his father and being his own person, even if that means going against what Mr Perry wants for him. The film Dead Poets Society explores the idea of conformity and how individuals can stand up for their beliefs, even if it means breaking away from the norm.

Individualism is about being unique and not following the herd, something that is seen throughout the film as the boys try to find their own way in life. Dead Poets Society is a great example of how individualism can be both positive and negative, as it allows people to be themselves but can also lead to conflict and division.

After this, Simon persuaded him to take action. Simon said that there was no other option for Neil but to kill himself if he wanted any kind of control in his life. Simon then made a very dramatic decision and believes that suicide is the only way to regain power in one’s life.

Despite the fact that Neil lost everything as a result of this, suicide was the only way for him to confront his father and live life to the fullest. This supports the boys’ motto, “Carpe Diem.” By taking his own life, Neil regained control over his own destiny by accepting the consequences of his decisions.“

Individualism is expressed in the film when Neil takes his own life to defy his father’s expectations and live a life true to himself. The individualist perspective is also shown when Neil breaks away from the group and starts to write poetry on his own. He expresses himself in a way that is personal to him, without compromise.

This can be seen as an act of rebellion against conformity and the pressure to fit in. Individualism allows for people to express themselves in their own unique way, which is ultimately more fulfilling than following the herd. In Dead Poets Society, the characters are able to find themselves by exploring their individualism. This leads to a more authentic life, which is ultimately more satisfying.

Although they’re not as well-known, many show business figures have likewise been accused of child abuse. An example is Wayne Gale, who was convicted on five counts of felony sexual battery. Wayne “Gale” Bryant is a former child actor best known for his leading role in the snappy Disney cartoon series You Can Count On Me (1990). He currently works as an entrepreneur from his home in California and produces comedic material through social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.

He is also uncomfortable with his own physicality. Todd is not able to find his voice until he breaks away from the pack and becomes an individual. After Neil’s death, Todd gives a moving eulogy in which he talks about Neil’s journey to becoming an individual. He says, “Neil discovered that when you strip away all the layers of polite society, all the expectations and assumptions, what you’re left with is yourself. And once you’ve accepted that, you’re free to do anything.” This speaks to the idea of Individualism – that it is only once you accept who you are that you can be truly free.

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Thematic Analysis of Dead Poets Society

Peter Holmes

March 3, 2002

Freshman Comp. 2

The theme of Dead Poets Society  is about the clash between realism and romanticism that occurs throughout the struggles of Neil Perry, Knox Overstreet, and John Keating.  Romanticism is a major theme that is expressed throughout Neil’s conflict with his father and Knox’s youthful love of a local girl.  Keating, the greatest romantic of all, causes both of these sub-plots with his unconventional style of teaching.  The other contrasting theme, which is Realism, comes into play when Neil commits suicide and when the school comes down hard on Keating.  

        In the beginning of Dead Poets Society,  the students are just arriving back to school for another year.  Excited and full of energy, the students greet one another and notice a new member at the school who is the younger brother of a former valedictorian.  The students also discover another change.  The facility has a new member who is a poetry teacher.  The kids will soon realize how important of a role this new teacher will play in their lives.

        The first struggle, that can be considered a conflict, is between Neil and his father.  Neil dreams of being an actor and his father, wanting his son to have chances that he never had, refuses that his son partake in anything that has to do with acting.  In spite of his father’s opinion, Neil, inspired by Keating’s “seize the day” approach to life, goes to the auditions for an upcoming play at a local theater and lands the role of Puck in a Midsummer Night's Dream.  Thinking that this high accomplishment might change his father’s opinion, Neil tells him the good news.  This however didn’t persuade Mr. Perry, and he still told Neil that he wasn’t allowed to perform.  This disheartening news came a day before the performance, so Neil decides to confide in his teacher about the dilemma.  Keating gradually gets to the point that Neil should follow his heart and not always what his father wants.  This gives Neil the courage to do the performance.  

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The next day is when Neil’s life hits a peak and then bottoms out.  During the performance, while Neil is between scenes, he sees his father enter the auditorium and for a moment he is shocked and unable to speak.  Nonetheless, he gains his composure and gives the greatest performance of his life and receives a standing ovation from the large crowd.  This moment gives the viewer chills, the kind someone might get when listening to the national anthem in a time of national distress.  Surrounded by excited and happy fans, Neil is at the peak of success.  This is abruptly ended when his angered father pulls him from the crowd and scolds him.  Mr. Perry then takes Neil home, all the while swearing that he would make sure Neil never acted again.  Considering Neil’s emotions, he must have been utterly dismayed and terribly hurt.  Romanticism had just become realism.  This proves true because that night, when his father and mother had fallen asleep, he went into his father’s office and unlocked a dresser drawer to get his father’s revolver, and then without a word he kills himself.  This may have been the only way Neil believed that he could escape the life that was being planned for him and not by him.  This is the worst result of problems that arise when adults try to live their lives through their children.  Furthermore, it is the tragic ending to Neil’s romantic struggle to become an actor.

        Unlike the first struggle that is heart breaking, the second struggle is one of a youthful love that Knox Overstreet displays for a girl.  This all begins when Knox is invited to a dinner party at the house of one of his father’s friends.  During the gathering he falls for the daughter of his father’s friend, even though she is practically engaged to someone else.  Unable to gain enough courage to say how he fells, he contains his emotions for the time.  Keating’s style of teaching influences Knox to be courageous and go after her instead of giving up hope. This leads him, even after he has been struck in the face by this girl’s macho boyfriend at a party a few weeks back, to go to the girl’s school and practically forces her to listen to a poem he has written for her.  This scene takes place in front of her whole class.  This risky behavior actually results in what becomes a strong bond between the two students.  Even though this doesn’t display realism, it is a great example of romanticism.  

        The first two struggles were of youthful uncertainty, but Keating’s occurs because he is a unique teacher who’s teaching style defies traditional methods.  His outlook on life quickly affects his students and this helps them all find themselves in different ways.  At the end of the movie a strong scene occurs that exemplifies what Keating had taught the students all along.  It begins when the school’s principal is heading up the class since Keating was forced out.  Keating was the scapegoat for Neil’s death.  Keating enters the classroom to gather the last of his belongings.  While he is doing this, one of the students breaks out in an outrage about how the school has mistreated Keating.  Symbolizing one of Keating’s class sessions, were the students were told to get on top of their desk so they could see the room from a different perspective, the student stands on his desk.  The principal tells him to get down and even threatens him with expulsion, but he still stands and one by one the other students rise from their chairs and stand on their desks.  This represents the strength that Keating instilled in every one of his students, a strength that truly makes them individuals.

        The individuality that Keating expressed to his students helped them to live life the best way it should be lived, by “seizing the day.”  This gave many of his students a romantic view on life that had not been demonstrated by the anti-youth faculty at Welton Academy.  They were now able to be individuals, not applicable to common rules at the academy.  Even though realism finally clashes with romanticism, the students will always remember how good it felt to be inspired by Keating’s class sessions.  

Document Details

• Word Count 1093
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• Level University Degree
• Subject Education and Teaching

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• Dead Poets Society

Thematic Analysis of the Dead Poets Society

The drama movie Dead’s Poet Society is based in America published in the year 1989 by Peter Weir while starring Robin Williams. It is set in the aristocratic and conservative Welton Academy. In the film, it is evident that the dominant theme is conformity. It is perceived as an order for maintaining the accepted regulations and rules. There is the display of orthodoxy in various instances including instances of the students conforming to teachers opinions and the present educational constraints in the school. Conformity becomes portrayed as an ever-tightening noose that is not only dangerous but evil. The theme plays a significant part in the movie and influences many individuals. There exist struggles between the characters in the film. Conformity acts as a true villain in the Dead Poets Society. It can be defined as the blind emphasis on repetition and synonymy. It is also seen to hold the key to oneself discovery. It is necessary to have knowledge of where conformity arises from and the reason for the existent potential to be dangerous.

Welton Academy has four pillars governing the school. They include; honor, excellence, tradition, and discipline (Thinking, Reflective). The four form the various aspects of the conformist success model which in reality cannot work for everyone. The students in Welton in their school and personal lives are ordered to follow similar rules. The point of following the rules is to achieve success solely in their education. The success is limited to attending school, passing with flying colors and eventually landing a well-paying job. These pillars push the students at Welton to aspire to this kind of success thus becoming rather similar people.

The film is on another side sympathetic to the conformity idea. It suggests that there are times when it’s preferable to follow the rules and aim for similar kinds of successes that the others have obtained. For instance, Neil Perry’s father shows his love to his son by emphasizing on success and conformity (Weir, Peter). Mr. Perry is inclined to the fact that he came from a low-income family thus needs his son to succeed so that he can have the best possible life. He forces Neil to work smart in school to go to Harvard and become a renowned doctor. Welton shows its success from producing individuals who easily can depend on themselves regarding finances, raising a proper family, finding well-paying jobs and fulfilling employment.

The Welton Academy is a traditional and prestigious institution that has a realist administration holding strict policies. The policies become represented in the four pillars of the school. The scenes of the film showing the classrooms illustrate that everything revolves around individual mastery and conduct. The academy administration goes by the empty vessel theory that young people are unable to think by themselves thus require that knowledge become poured into their minds by the society(Thinking, Reflective). The students are required to follow set rules and allow that their lives be guided by the motto of the school or suffer awful consequences of a bad future (Manzoor, Sarfraz). The policies are verified as viable, and survival in the school requires the boys conform and follow them. We see that Neil became an example of what happens if you do not comply. He became unhappy in the end with the plan made by his father and eventually took his own life.

Discipline is part of the Welton pillars, and it is present in all aspects of the students’ lives. Punishment is offered for every indiscipline action such as being away from the bedroom after-hours. The boys choose to form the dead poet’s society as a club which is a clear indication of the boy’s disregard for the threat of discipline and conformity. It, however, comes back to them as they do not get their way. Freedom of choice is ripped from the boys making them miserable. They have to obey set rules and follow all commands. For instance, the boys are forced to sign a document implicating Keating, their teacher, in the suicide by Neil Perry (Weir, Peter). Tradition is arguably most important of the Weltons four pillars. The academy prides in its adherence to tradition. This emphasis comes into conflict with the unconventional lessons by Mr. Keating which by their different status are intrinsically opposed to the traditional values of Welton (Thinking, Reflective). The conflict reaches a climax when dreams by Neil of pursuing a somewhat less traditional professional path after being stoked by Keating’s influence, are shattered.

It is viable to be skeptical of the Welton’s model of success as it forces the boys in the school to conform to rules that do not work for everybody (Kibin). The state often produces more misery than happiness. Any school’s ultimate goal of working hard and abiding by the set rules should be to enact lasting happiness (Manzoor, Sarfraz). The film suggest that a number of the students and their parents are conspicuously unhappy. Evidently, students hate parents who micro-manage their existence forcing them for instance, to study harder. The parents of the students have become obsessed with the notion of making their children successful which unfortunately has overshadowed the natural affection for their children. None of the parents is portrayed in a positive light. Conformity breeds more conformity as it lacks spiritual or psychological payoff. The students are trained to achieve success not for their happiness but for the sake of progress.

There is the moral bankruptcy of conformity and success at Welton after the death of Neil Perry. The headmaster tries his all to locate a teacher to whom to plant the blame for the suicide. He finally holds John Keating responsible for the suicide and sacks him from his job. The headmaster does not blame Keating for the suicide. He intends to avoid a scandal that could jeopardize the relations with the alumni of the school and further the school success status(Manzoor, Sarfraz). It is evident that conformity in Welton is for the sake of conformity as Nolan is more concerned with personal, professional success than with wrong or right and the student’s welfare. Notably, the film illustrates that too much emphasis on conformity proves morally blind, develops shallow minded and profoundly unhappy individuals.

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Works Cited

An Analysis Of Freedom And Conformity Ideas In The Dead Poets Society Film | Kibin.“ Kibin.Com, 2017, https://www.kibin.com/essay-examples/an-analysis-of-freedom-and-conformity-ideas-in-the-dead-poets-society-film-A1E3L40K.

Manzoor, Sarfraz. ”My Favourite Film: Dead Poets Society.” The Guardian, 2011, https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2011/nov/21/favourite-film-dead-poets-society.

Thinking, Reflective. ”My Analysis Of Dead Poet’S Society.” Reflective Thinking, 2013, https://ephraimseducation.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/my-analysis-of-dead-poets-society/.

Weir, Peter. ”Dead Poets Society, film.” Touchstone Pictures, California (1989).

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Dead Poets Society

53 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

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Chapters 1-5

Chapters 6-10

Chapters 11-15

Character Analysis

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Important Quotes

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Discussion Questions

Describe Todd Anderson’s character arc as it relates to the theme of finding your voice . In what ways does Mr. Keating help him? In what ways does Neil?

Compare and contrast the characters of Charlie and Cameron. Be sure to track their growth or regression throughout the novel and focus on their relationship to the rules of Welton.

In Dead Poets Society , Welton is a symbol for the isolation that comes along with striving to maintain certain traditions and standards. Pick one character that experiences isolation in the novel and explain how they escape (or don’t escape) that feeling of loneliness.

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Dead Poets Society

By peter weir, dead poets society essay questions.

What do you think about Mr Keating's teaching methods? Is it a good way to teach the boys, considering their age and apparent immaturity?

Mr Keating's teaching methods are very unusual and go against the conventional values at that time. They encourages the students to think for themselves. His methods are also risky, as they're experimental and untested when he applies them to the boys' education. However, only time can tell if it is a suitable way to teach the boys. Sadly, Keating is expelled too soon. The results are mixed: the boys have clearly been inspired, and yet they run into trouble, in Neil's case deadly trouble. The film thus leaves this crucial question unanswered.

The viewer is constantly reminded of the motto carpe diem . Is Neil's interpretation of these words correct or not?

The motto carpe diem may be slightly misguiding—literally it means "seize the day". The immature mind may become harsh in his/her judgement. Neil's interpretation is very radical, and this displays how dangerous language can be when not used correctly.

As mentioned in an exchange between Mr. Keating and another teacher of the school, there are "realists" and there are "artists." What is the difference between them?

A realist is more pragmatic and more attuned to the current situation of society. An artist is relatively more idealistic, independent and unfettered.

Discuss how the themes of discipline and rebellion interact in Dead Poets Society.

Welton prides itself on adherence to strict tradition and rules, and those who fail to adhere to them properly face punishment. Thus, the threat of discipline is present in every aspect of the Welton boys' lives, from being out of bed after hours to leaving the campus without permission. This threat is not formidable enough to stop them, however, once they decide to form the Dead Poets Society and meet in the old Indian cave nearby, as their desire to "live deliberately," according to the Thoreau quote, outweighs their fear of getting caught. Thus, despite the natural initial apprehension on the part of a few of them, they all engage in a little rebellion to make the Society a reality.

How would you characterize the tone of Dead Poets Society, broadly and at specific moments?

The overarching tone of the film is a serious one; at few points are you made to laugh aloud, and indeed, nowhere is comedy the film's end goal. Even with a famously comedic actor like Robin Williams playing Keating, his character is portrayed as wise and insightful, with moments of theatrics meant to humor the students on screen, less so the viewers watching them. The subject matter of the film, too, indicates a serious tone, including elements of coming of age drama, family discord, and suicide. While certain scenes boast a more joyous air, like when Meeks and Pitts dance to their radio on the school roof, or when the boys lift Keating into the air while Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" plays over the scene, the general tone of the film remains mature and, ultimately, rather somber.

Explore Keating's influence on his students and how his encouragement of originality and "carpe diem" affect them.

Keating's enchantment of the boys is apparent from his very first lesson, when he encourages them to "make their lives extraordinary." It isn't long into the term that the boys begin acting uncharacteristically courageously and, at times, defiantly in pursuit of what makes them passionate. Knox, for example, gathers up the courage to call Chris Noel, and eventually to woo her when he otherwise might have been too hesitant. Neil is inspired to audition for A Midsummer Night's Dream despite his father's warden-like hold over him. And the boys as a whole are encouraged by Mr. Keating's example to form the Dead Poets Society, the meetings for which entail breaking multiple school rules, a fact which isn't lost on even the more naturally rebellious among them, like Charlie. That they are all willing to defy the administration and form the club against their better judgement is testament to the incredible influence that Keating had on them.

Discuss the Thoreau quote that the boys invoke at the start of each Society meeting and how it relates to their own experience.

The Thoreau quote comes from his 1854 book Walden , which details his more than two years spent alone in a small cabin by Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. The quote refers to living simply and with purpose, and reflects what the boys themselves do through the Dead Poets Society: going to the woods to recite poetry to one another, and eventually to express themselves in other ways, including storytelling, dancing, and playing the saxophone. Many of the boys feel that the academic shackles that hold them are unjust, and some, especially Neil, fear that when it's their time to die and begin "fertilizing daffodils," as Mr. Keating glibly put it, that they will "discover that [they] had not lived." The quote therefore highlights a parallel between the boys' and Thoreau's own desire to be self-reliant and deliberate about their lives.

Discuss the Walt Whitman quote "O Captain! My Captain!" and its use as a reference to Mr. Keating.

Mr. Keating himself dares the boys to refer to him by the above Whitman quote. Whitman wrote "O Captain! My Captain!" about President Abraham Lincoln following his assassination in 1865. The poem, one of the most well-known poems ever written, is classified as an elegy to the late president. That the students use it to refer to Mr. Keating, particularly in the iconic final scene of the film in which they proclaim it as they stand on their desks, draws a direct parallel between Lincoln and Keating as revered men gone too soon—in Lincoln's case, referring to his death, and in Keating's, to his being fired.

Dead Poets Society Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Dead Poets Society is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What’s the theme of dead poets society rip it out

Do you mean the scene where Keeting asks his class to rip out the Pritchard text? He wants them to avoid conformity by ripping a text that treats poetry like a math equation.

Explore Keating's influence on his students and how his encouragement of originality and "carpe diem" affect them.

I can't write your essay for you but can make a general comment. One of Keating’s main, overarching lessons for the boys is the idea of “seizing the day”—that is, making the most of the time they have now and taking advantage of the opportunities...

According to Pitts, all of the girls go for “jerks”. Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not?

Well, this is a pretty subjective answer from personal experience. Many many years ago I was captain of the chess team in high school. Lets just say girls were not clamouring to wear my jacket. The hockey players,they used to throw pucks at our...

Study Guide for Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society study guide contains a biography of director Peter Weir, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Dead Poets Society
• Dead Poets Society Summary
• Character List
• Director's Influence

Essays for Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of the film Dead Poets Society directed by Peter Weir.

• Authority Against Individualism: Dead Poets Society and The Rabbits
• Dead Poets Society: The Powerful Thought of Individuality
• Identity in Dead Poets Society and Frost's Poetry
• Exploring Transitions: Educating Rita and Dead Poets Society

Wikipedia Entries for Dead Poets Society

• Introduction

Home / Essay Samples / Entertainment / Dead Poets Society / Exploring the Theme of Freedom in Dead Poets Society

Exploring the Theme of Freedom in Dead Poets Society

• Category: Entertainment , Life
• Topic: Dead Poets Society , Freedom

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