Dead Poets Society

The Dead Poets Society by Peter Wier teaches adolescents a valuable lessons in what it really means to mature on their own. When the boys are introduced to Mr. Keating, the new english teacher, they begin to desert their chained lifestyle, and spread their wings. The film covers many important concepts that kids are being robbed of.  These concepts include Carpe Diem (seizing the day), expressing oneself  (not shying away), and standing up in the face of conformity while learning to be self reliant, ultimately making your own decisions.

            Carpe Diem (translating to '"Seize the day") was one of the most common recurring messages in the movie. Mr. Keating was trying to get across to the boys that want they want to do, should be done without regrets. Starting up the Dead Poets Society was the first step towards this ideal. Neil was one of the stronger examples of this, as he tried to grasp his love for theater, and express it freely. Knox was a character that prominently displayed this by chasing after the girl he loved, going so as far to publicly display his affection, despite the danger. Although Dalton took the phrase to an extreme case, and as Mr. Keating put it was stupid, not wise about the matters, he too took it upon himself to take action towards something. To seize the day and leave no regrets behind is exactly what those boys, and everybody apart of the Dead Poets Society were striving after. It tied in with making them think for themselves, and learning responsibility for their actions.

          Self expression was also a major underlying problem for both Todd and Neil. In both Todd and Neils situations, they shared a similar obstacle, which was their parents. Both pressured into careers they didn't want to pursue, but too frightened to express any non-conformity. This case was more extreme for Neil, who really showed passion for theater, but had to do in a round about matter, so as to not alert his parents of his activities, only causing more problems for him later. Todd also was problematic with public speaking, and far too self conscious of himself, even though he expressed interests in being a writer. This was remedied later by Mr. Keating who got Todd to overcome his irrational fears, and finally say something in front of the class. Todd's personal progress is best shown in the final scene of the movie, where he stands up despite the scolding of the new homeroom teacher, and gives a moving farewell with the rest of the class following his example.

         Self reliance, and being a free thinker was the most prominent message being given out. Mr. Keating's ultimate goal was to transform these kids into free thinkers, and challenge conformity. Neil's fears of his father lead him to doing what he loves in secret, only causing problems in the long run. He didn't challenge his father,  nor express what he wanted to do, which only lead to extreme depression and in the end, suicide. A part of being a free thinker was also looking at the world from different aspects. Mr. Keating taught this by letting each and every teacher stand on his desk and examining the class from there. There was a lot to be learned from Keating's unorthodox teaching methods. The lessons learnt didn't just apply to the classroom and its students, but all individuals in life. It's important to believe in what you think is right, and not what another man tells you is.

         Finally the combined message the movie was trying to convey was to practice self responsibility, and not cave into conformity that can't distinguish you for who you want to be. Often times being chained and kept prisoner will lead to nothing but despair and anguish.