Neil Perry, Todd Anderson, Knox Overstreet, Charlie Dalton, Richard Cameron, Steven Meeks, and Gerard Pitts are seniors at Welton Academy. The school is known for its emphasis on tradition, honor, discipline, and excellence as defined by Headmaster Gale Nolan. However, their new English teacher John Keating introduces innovative teaching methods that challenge the school’s conventional approach. Keating encourages the students to embrace each day and think creatively.
Keating has Neil read the introduction to their poetry textbook in another class. The introduction prescribes a mathematical formula to rate poetry’s quality, which Keating finds absurd. He then tells his students to tear the introduction out of their books, leaving one of his colleagues astonished. Later on, Keating asks the students to stand on his desk, aiming to change their perspective on the world. The boys eventually discover that Keating used to be a student at Welton and decide to secretly revive the school’s literary club, known as the “Dead Poets Society”, which Keating had also been a part of. They hold their meetings in a cave outside of the school grounds.
In the text, Todd’s lack of confidence causes him to be unable to finish a writing task. Keating helps him discover his hidden capabilities through an activity centered around self-expression. Charlie publishes an article in the school newspaper without permission, advocating for the admission of girls into Welton. Knox encounters a girl named Chris, falls in love with her, and uses his newfound passion for poetry to win her over. Neil desires to pursue acting, but he is aware that his father will not approve. Despite his father’s ignorance, Neil auditions for the role of Puck in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Neil’s father discovers his involvement with Keating’s teachings and demands that Neil cease his association. In search of guidance, Neil seeks advice from Keating and is advised to communicate with his father, explaining his true emotions. However, Neil is unable to gather the courage to do so and goes against his father’s wishes. Ultimately, his father appears raging with fury at the end of the play. He takes Neil back home and reveals his intention to send him to a military school in preparation for Harvard University and a career in medicine. Feeling overwhelmed by the bleak future ahead and unable to convey his feelings to his father, Neil tragically takes his own life.
At the request of Neil’s parents, the headmaster initiates an investigation. Cameron meets with the school governors and board of regents. Later, when confronted by Charlie, Cameron confesses that he betrayed them and made Keating the scapegoat. He urges the others to let Keating take all the blame. Todd is summoned to Nolan’s office, where his parents are present. Nolan coerces Todd into admitting his membership in the Dead Poets Society and forces him to sign a document accusing Keating of abusing his authority, inciting the boys to revive the club, and influencing Neil to defy his father’s desires.
Todd is threatened by his father to sign the document after seeing the other boys’ signatures already on it. As a result, Keating is fired. When the boys return to English class, Nolan is now their teacher and instructs them to read the introductory essay. However, they had all torn it out. Keating enters the room to collect his belongings and Todd confesses that the boys were coerced into signing the denunciation. Nolan silences Todd and orders Keating to leave. Just as Keating is about to exit, Todd finally speaks up and calls out “O Captain!”
While Nolan warns Todd to sit down or face expulsion, Keating stands on his desk and encourages the class to seize the day. Despite Nolan’s orders, Knox, Meeks, and Pitts also climb onto their desks and show their support for Keating. This deeply touches Keating, who leaves the room.
In the movie, Keating repeatedly emphasizes the concept of seizing the day and making their lives extraordinary. He also emphasizes that reading and writing poetry should not be done solely for its cuteness.
Engaging in the reading and writing of poetry is a fundamental part of our human experience, as we are a race defined by intense emotions. It is essential that we never shy away from exploring new perspectives, even if they may appear impractical or incorrect. The realm of dreams is where true freedom resides. As young individuals, it is crucial that we actively seek out our own distinctive voice; the longer we delay this pursuit, the less likely we are to discover it. A wise person understands the significance of taking calculated risks at opportune moments. The power held by words and ideas to reshape our world is profound, regardless of opposing assertions. While acceptance is something we all yearn for, it is imperative to have faith in our unique beliefs and not be concerned about them being seen as peculiar or unpopular.
I admire Mr. John Keating’s teaching techniques because he promotes independent thinking and defying social conventions. Nevertheless, I feel sorrowful and let down by Neil’s tragic demise as he chose to end his own life. I do not support his choice since there are always alternative methods for handling challenging circumstances. Regrettably, he allowed his situation to overpower him, resulting in his ultimate decision.
The film featured noteworthy words that captured my attention and I desire to incorporate them into my own writing. The repetition of the phrase “Carpe diem or seize the day” resonated deeply with me. These words possess a profound significance and can be employed in various contexts. They underscore the notion that each person has the potential to transform their everyday existence into something extraordinary, contingent upon their individual actions. Moreover, there are concepts I aim to intertwine with my existing knowledge. One such concept is “suck the marrow out of life,” which embodies the determination to pursue my aspirations and maximize my capabilities in order to reach unprecedented heights. It serves as a reminder not to allow limitations to hinder one’s progress but rather strive for excellence.
My hands are not short to grasp my goals. Ideas I want to learn more about: I want to learn more about literature. I know literature is rich. It also represents life and conveys emotions. I want to explore the world of literature where people’s mind is wide and full of imaginations. Limitless indeed. Rate movie I rate the movie as 8 out of 10. It is inspiring not only to students but to everyone. It teaches moral values in life. Movie like this is seldom to find. The movie helps students like us to appreciate poems and other literature.
Offering a fresh outlook on the allure of literature and the profound messages embedded within each poem, this film challenges prevailing perceptions that poems are trite or exclusively for avid readers. Nevertheless, it extends beyond poetry to ignite our determination in overcoming life’s hurdles and pursuing our aspirations relentlessly. While we may confront obstacles impeding our triumphs, self-assurance in our capabilities remains paramount. Conversely, despite awarding an 8 out of 10 rating, a blemish arises from the portrayal of Neil contemplating suicide.
