Examples Of Transcendentalism In Dead Poets Society

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Transcendentalist ideas have inspired many generations to be unique and stand up for their beliefs. These ideas are portrayed in Dead Poets Society, especially with Welton Academy’s new English teacher, Mr. Keating. His students are held to high standards while attending a very strict, traditional school. Their lives are already laid out for them by their controlling parents, and many of them do not wish to take the path that their parents wish. Similar to the Transcendentalists, Mr. Keating introduces new ideas to the students that they would never even think of doing. He encourages his students to face their fears, to stand out, and live their lives the way they want to. Everyone at Welton Academy is too caught up in tradition and the …show more content…

Keating changed his students lives for the better. He taught them the importance of standing up for their beliefs and living their own life. He was a unique teacher that Welton students had never experienced before, but they adored and cherished him. There are many times throughout the movie when the boys live by Mr. Keating’s mottos. For instance, Neil performs as a lead role in the play, pursuing his love for acting even though his father frowns upon it. Mr. Keating’s influence on the boys really shows in the end of the movie as he is packing up his things to leave. Tommy is distraught and does not know what he will do without Mr. Keating. As Mr. Keating is walking out the door, Tommy stands on the desk and calls to him saying “O Captain, My Captain!”. Many students in the class follow his lead and stand on the desk to give Mr. Keating the proper goodbye he deserves. In this moment, it is easy to see that Mr. Keating is touched and he replies simply with “Thank you, my boys”. Although Mr. Keating does not have a huge reaction to the class, he knows that they respect and appreciate all he has done for them. In addition, the word “my” exemplifies that Mr. Keating thinks of them very highly and as one of his own. His boys hold a special place in his heart, and even though he was the teacher, the boys taught him valuable lessons as

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