Question

The writer of this screenplay (Dead Poets Society) was clearly influenced by the writings of Emerson and Thoreau and the idea of

nonconformity, yet in this film one of the main characters-one who embraces nonconformity-meets a tragic end.
What is the point of this? Why does the writer have Neil kill himself? What purpose does his death and Keating's termination
serve in illustrating the writer's message? How does what happened to the boys and to Mr. Keating fit into the overall message
of the film and into the beliefs of Transcendentalists?
Respond to these questions in a well thought out, multi-paragraph response. Maintain the academic third person voice. Cite
examples from the both the film AND one quote from the writings of Emerson or Thoreau to support your argument.

Answer 1

In the film Dead Poets Society, the writer was clearly influenced by the writings of Emerson and Thoreau and the idea of nonconformity. However, despite the message of embracing individuality and nonconformity, one of the main characters, Neil, who fully embraces nonconformity, meets a tragic end. The writer had Neil kill himself to illustrate the dangers of nonconformity when it is taken too far and to demonstrate the harsh reality that society can punish those who challenge its norms. The purpose of Neil's death and Keating's termination serves to illustrate the writer's message that although it is important to embrace individuality and nonconformity, one must also recognize the limits that society has imposed and the potential consequences that come with challenging those limits.

In the film, the boys who follow Keating's teachings eventually face consequences for their nonconformity. Neil, who is inspired by Keating to follow his passion for acting and to rebel against his strict father's expectations, ends up taking his own life after his father forbids him from pursuing his dreams. This tragedy serves as a warning to the other boys that nonconformity can come with a heavy price.

Emerson and Thoreau's writing also reinforce this message. Emerson wrote in "Self-Reliance," "Whoso would be a man, must be a nonconformist" (Emerson, 1841). However, he also noted that nonconformity can be dangerous when he wrote, "Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members" (Emerson, 1841). Similarly, Thoreau in "Civil Disobedience" stated, "Any man more right than his neighbors constitutes a majority of one" (Thoreau, 1849). However, he also acknowledged the consequences of challenging societal norms when he wrote, "Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison" (Thoreau, 1849).

Overall, the message of the film and the beliefs of Transcendentalists emphasize the importance of embracing individuality and nonconformity while also recognizing the potential dangers that come with challenging societal norms. The tragic events that occur in the film serve as a reminder of the harsh reality that society can punish those who challenge its norms, and that individuals must weigh the risks and consequences of their actions.

Step-by-step explanation: