Suicide In Dead Poets Society

Life is very complex. But so is death, and in that, especially suicide. This concept is very well portrayed in the Peter Weir film “Dead Poets’ Society”, as is the fact that while the circumstances for a suicide can seem obvious, there may be several complications hidden beneath the veil of the first glance. That is the case when Neil Perry, a seventeen-year old boy from a posh New England school, Welton Academy, commits suicide after performing the lead role in a play in contrast to his father’s edict. His father, Mr. Perry, proclaims that Mr. Keating, former student and now English teacher of Welton Academy, is responsible for Neil’s death. However, it is imperative to analyze the relationship between each of the characters in order to determine
Keating is not entirely and directly responsible for the suicide of Neil Perry, he nevertheless played an important role in events that led up to the suicide. In the austere atmosphere of the school and even more disciplined society that the students of Welton Academy were raised in, Mr. Keating’s ideals of “carpagium”, or “seize the day”, and methods were likely overwhelming to their minds. Furthermore, the new concepts of independence and “free thinking” gave the main characters a false sense of freedom and invincibility, as clearly demonstrated through the re-founding of Dead Poet’s Society, although Mr. Keating advised them otherwise. On the other hand, Mr. Keating’s teaching methods gained him the trust of students, especially Neil, who came to him for advice after gaining the disapproval of his father for his efforts to act in a play. The advice that Mr. Keating gave to Neil on that evening, that his father had to know “who you are and what your heart is”, was appropriate advice, although whether he should have given any advice at all is debatable. For although it was Neil who asked for the advice, many argue that it was not in Mr. Keating’s position to give it. The mere fact that he had encouraged Neil to act in contrast to his father’s will by attending the play had placed the responsibility of Neil’s death fully upon him. Hence, it is evident that Mr. Keating’s unusual teaching methods as well as his ideals of a more independent youth and broad minded
During the first few scenes of the movie, it is made clear that Mr. Perry’s relationship with his son is very formal at most, with the word “sir” being used to address him as opposed to “dad” or “father”. Mr. Perry also states that Neil is not permitted to make his own decisions until he graduates from medical school, which further deteriorates his son’s hopes to harness his passion for acting. Thus, when Mr. Perry learns that Neil is performing in the play despite his injunction against it, he asserts that Neil will be leaving for military school, where he will train with discipline and attend Harvard Medical School afterwards. This conversation is critical to analyze, even more so than Mr. Keating’s conversation with Neil, with regards to the phrase “I will not let you ruin your life”, which Mr. Perry uses as a reason for his actions to his son. The phrase bares Mr. Perry’s authority and power against Neil, and shows his complete dominance over his son’s life. Although most of the teachers, parents, and other members of the society see no flaw in Mr. Perry’s imperious attitude towards his son, it would be frowned upon in modern times. Therefore, it can be clearly established that Mr. Perry’s formal relationship with his son and his authoritative parenting style in general had a tremendous impact on Neil’s decision to take his