Essay On Transcendentalism In Dead Poets Society

Transcendentalism is the social movement that strongly emphasizes individual expression and creativity. The 1989 film, Dead Poet’s Society, is exemplary of transcendentalism and clearly shows the emergence of the movement in the United States. The film takes place in a all boys preparatory school in Vermont which highly values tradition and conformity. A new English teacher arrives with very unorthodox ways of teaching and looking at life. With his guidance, the boys at the preparatory school are able to stand up for what they truly believe in and break free from the pressures and expectations coming from their parents and society.
In Dead Poet’s Society, student, Neil Perry, is put under a lot of pressure from his parents and feels trapped in his own world. His father wants him to become a doctor and attend Harvard University. Neil, on the other hand, has no desire to become a doctor and in reality, has an utmost passion for acting. Neil wants to pursue this in the future, but cannot participate in the school play simply because his father will not allow
Dead Poet’s Society is able to perfectly encapsulate Transcendentalist ideas by showing the transition of the Welton Prep boys. All their life, these boys are used to following strict orders from their parents and doing exactly as they are told. They would never in the life dream of going against their parent’s wishes. This film is able to show how just a little push in the right direction can immediately trigger social progress. These boys were able to learn from their teacher, Mr. Keating that it is okay to be your own person and express disapproval towards your parents. Once the boys finally realize that Mr.Keating is right and they should be the one’s in control, they are able to stand up for themselves and break out of the shell they have been living in for all of their