Seize the Day in the Movie, Dead Poet Society

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In 1989, a drama movie titled Dead Poets Society, was directed by Peter Weir and written by Tom Schulman. A few years later, it was adapted into a book by N.H. Kleinbaum. In the movie, Todd Anderson, Charlie Dalton, Knox Overstreet, and their group of friends struggle to meet the expectations that others have set upon them in the Welton Academy for boys, while also trying to live their lives to the fullest. As their charismatic teacher, Mr. Keating, would say, "Carpe Diem! Seize the day!" They restart a group, known as the Dead Poets Society, devoted to having fun apart from their mediocre lives. Mr. Keating truly affected all the students, but three in particular received the greatest effects. The teacher motivates Todd to let go of his previous beliefs, Charlie to change his attitude on life, and Knox to take his love life into his own hands.
First off, when Mr. Keating arrives in Todd's world, he shatters it and tells Todd to create his own in order to fulfill his own passions. For example, Todd progresses under Keating's teachings until he joins the Dead Poets Society. Todd originally dislikes the idea of joining a social party but the words "Carpe Diem" inspire him to break out of his shy corner and have fun. While in the Dead Poets Society, Todd begins to impugn his pressures and starts to understand that he doesn't need to live up to his brother's fame to please his parents. As the movie reaches its end, Todd is the first to stand on his desk and yell "O Captain, my captain!" Mr. Keating's influence is shown in this one moment as he inspires Todd to lead the way for others, which completely radiates Todd's confidence. Todd rebels against the school's already-irked principal, which shows that Todd has matured past his par...

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...lan to woo Chris. Knox reads a wistful poem in front of Chris' class, which reinforces his new-found confidence. Also, he interprets "Carpe Diem" into his creative method for trying to get Chris, as he recalls the passion with which Keating said it, implying that he has been influenced. In conclusion, Knox's love life takes a striking curve when Mr. Keating arrives as he learns the passion that is "Carpe Diem".
In the end, Mr. Keating affects all of his students, but notably Todd Anderson, Charlie Dalton, and Knox Overstreet. Mr. Keating teaches Todd to let go of his pressures, Charlie to live his life to the fullest while also keeping it within reason, and Knox to pursue his love life. Mr. Keating had touched them all, and without him their fates would've ended up much differently. The words "Carpe Diem" meant more than just having fun. It became a life-style.

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