Dead Poets Society

1151 Words3 Pages

In the 1989 film Dead Poet’s Society, explores the concept of self-realization and individualism. This film is full of themes and aspects that relate to life. It’s mainly focused on life and life lessons. In the film there are many poems used by famous poets that gives a positive message. Dead Poet’s Society has both positive and negative on both teaching and learning the poetry.
The film relates aspects of life to poetry through self-realization and individualism. One of the famous poet Walt Whitman “Song of Myself” is highly characteristic and individualistic, expressing a point of view about experiences of the narrative “I” as an individual. Through out the entire film the teacher, Mr. Keating encourages his students to be individual. “Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said, "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation." Don't be resigned to that. Break out!” said Mr. Keating about being an individual and not conforming. Many of the characters show individuality through out the film. Neil Perry a student, who had a passion for acting but could not participate in plays because he knew that his father allow him to do so and he would not go against his father. But Mr. Keating tells him to participate in the play and be an individual. Many more characters had individuality for example, Todd Anderson standing up for Mr. Keating by saying "O Captain! My Captain!" and then stands on top of his desk and faces Keating, Charlie Dalton changing his name to Newanda during their poetry club meetings. These examples explain the major aspect of life to poetry that this film shows.
Dead Poet’s Society has used many poems that are written both b...

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...s of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”
Dead Poet’s Society the 1989 film has many different life lessons using poetry. Overall the film gives a positive message and the meaning of poetry. Dead Poet’s Society has both positive and negative on both teaching and learning the poetry.

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