Dead Poet's Society Analysis

Nick Savinar

October 13, 2010

Critical Leadership

Dead Poet’s Society Reflection

Dead Poet’s Society tells the story about a group of promising, young high school students and the top conservatory school in the country. The story is based around a new teacher, Mr. Keating, who uses poetry in order to inspire his students to pursue their own interests and desires. A group of his students learn about a secret club that he was involved in while he was in school called the Dead Poet’s Society, which inspires them to break away from the herd and begin to think for themselves. Later, when one student, Neil, commits suicide, the incident is blamed on Mr. Keating and he is fired.

One of the major teachings that Mr. Keating attempts to instill upon his students is the concept of “carpe diem,” or “seize the day.” It is made clear that these students are rarely presented with the opportunity to make decisions for themselves and purse their own interests, so when they are encouraged to do just this by Mr. Keating most of the students are hesitant; however those students that become involved in the Dead Poet’s Society jump at this opportunity. The main message to be taken away from this aspect of the movie is the importance of acting as an individual. By pursuing areas that genuinely interest you, you will not only be much more enthusiastic about that work or activity and will most likely perform at a much higher level. This is shown through Neil, who chooses to pursue his own interest of acting over the desire of his father that he become a doctor. Neil gives a spectacular performance in his play and is applauded by all of his professors and peers, however when his father is not convinced to allow him to pursue this dream, Neil realizes that he has a complete inability to be an individual and, rather than conforming to society and the wishes of his father, he commits suicide. Today we live in a time when it is much easier to be an individual...