I wanted to write about a movie that not many people know or talk about, “Dead Poets Society.” This timeless classic has profoundly impacted me and how I view the world around me.
The movie tells the story of a group of students at an all-boys prep school in the 1950s who are inspired by their new English teacher, John Keating, to think for themselves and pursue their passions. Keating’s unorthodox teaching methods, including his encouragement of poetry and nonconformity, spark a rebellion among his students and lead to both triumph and tragedy.
What I found most inspiring about this movie was its message of individualism and the power of poetry to express the human experience. (Maybe I am biased because I read and write poetry) But the movie’s characters struggle with the expectations of their families and society. Still, they find a sense of belonging and purpose through their shared love of literature and desire to create something meaningful.
This message resonated with me as someone who has always felt a bit like an outsider. I have often struggled to fit in with societal norms and expectations, and “Dead Poet’s Society” showed me that it’s okay to be different.
One of the scenes that touched me was when the character Neil Perry performs in a production against his father’s wishes. Despite his father’s disapproval, Neil’s passion for acting shines through in his performance, and for a brief moment, he can escape the pressures of his strict upbringing and experience pure joy.
This scene was a powerful reminder of the importance of pursuing our passions, even when it may seem difficult or risky. Neil’s bravery in standing up for what he loves, even in the face of opposition, has stuck with me and continues to inspire me. Additionally, the relationship between the students and their teacher, John Keating, is a poignant reminder of teachers’ impact on their students’ lives. Keating’s belief in his students’ potential and willingness to challenge them to think for themselves and question the world around them is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of supporting young people as they navigate life.
Interestingly, “Dead Poet’s Society” resembles another movie, “Mona Lisa Smile.” While the gender dynamics are different, both movies explore the struggle of young people to find their voice and navigate the pressures of society. In both movies, the main characters are encouraged by an inspiring teacher to challenge the status quo and pursue their dreams.
In “Mona Lisa Smile,” there is a scene where Katherine Watson is teaching her art history class about the Renaissance and the importance of questioning tradition. She encourages her students to think critically about the art and culture of the time, asking them, “Why did they paint water that way? Why not paint realistically?” One of her students, Joan, challenges her by saying, “Maybe the women who painted them wanted to feel like they had control over something.” This sparks a lively debate in the classroom and highlights the importance of questioning the status quo.
This scene resonates with a similar one in DPS, where John Keating is teaching his students about the power of poetry to express the human experience. He encourages his students to “seize the day” and live their lives to the fullest, challenging them to think for themselves and pursue their passions. This scene also leads to a lively debate in the classroom, with Keating’s students questioning the traditional teaching methods and the expectations placed on them by their parents and society.
Both of these scenes show the power of mentorship and teachers’ impact on their students’ lives. All and all, it was a great reminder to continue doing what you want, even in the face of adversity.