Ralph Waldo Emerson 's Dead Poets Society

Sociology is defined as a “systematic study of human society” (Macionis 583). The 1989 film Dead Poets Society features multiple sociological themes and issues. The main themes shown in this film are deviance and role conflict. These themes do not apply to every character, some characters even show neither of these theme, but with the main characters there is multiple examples provided through their lives.

"The Dead Poets Society" is an awe inspiring film set in the 1950s about a teacher who went against the grain and taught his high school students to think for themselves and not allow their attitudes and behavior to be constrained by conformity by older generations. In our class lectures/discussions, we have touched on many aspects of human culture and communication and this movie illustrates many of these concepts. Perspectives, gender, communication theories, persuasion, language, verbal and nonverbal communication, interpersonal relationships, public speaking, intercultural communication--these are all included and exemplified in this film.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful maxims Emerson wrote would have to be "Insist on yourself, never imitate." This statement captures the total essence of transcendentalism; deny the will and aspirations of others, and follow your own heart.The movie Dead Poets Society begins by introducing the viewers to Todd Anderson, a very subdued and quiet young man. Todd has the average inferiority complex. He is a very bright young man with exceptional abilities. Todd is unwilling to speak his mind for fear of non-acceptance. Charles Dalton is a seemingly average student with a rebellious attitude. He has already realized that the students are being "brainwashed" into living a preordained life.

his profession as a pastor in search for vital truth and hope. But his father

“Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist. He who would gather immortal palms must not be hindered by the name of goodness, but must explore if it be goodness” (370). In Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson, it is shown that each person must make their own decisions in life and learn to think for themselves. The individual must form his or her own opinions on what is good and bad; following society solely because that is expected is no way to go through life. This idea is an integral aspect of Transcendentalism. Beginning in 1836, Transcendentalism was a movement that emphasized the importance of individuality and nature. There were several main authors who wrote during this movement, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman. Although not written during the nineteenth century, another work that demonstrates transcendentalist ideals is the film Dead Poets Society, directed by Peter Weir. The film is set in 1959 at Welton Academy, a strict boarding school for boys centered around the principles of tradition, excellence, honor, and discipline. When a new English teacher, Mr. Keating, arrives, he inspires his students to think for themselves through his lessons on poetry. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s idea of thinking for oneself and reaching one’s own conclusions is a profound theme in Self-Reliance, as well as in Dead Poets Society, best show by Mr. Keating’s

Transcendentalism, a powerful intellectual and philosophical movement founded by Ralph Waldo Emerson in the early nineteenth century, was guided by the principle that individuals are inherently good and function at their best when they are independent and self-reliant. Striving to produce a philosophy that would serve a new nation, transcendentalists believed that religious institutions and political parties would eventually corrupt the natural pure goodness of man. Transcendentalist ideology further asserts that by conforming to the standards set by society, man would not only lose the ability to follow his own instincts, but also become incapable of freely expressing himself. In his essay Self Reliance, Emerson writes, “Be yourself; no base imitator of another, but your best self. There is something, which you can do better than another. Listen to the inward voice and bravely obey that. Do the things at which you are great, not what you were never made for” (Emerson). Other writers and intellectuals such as Frederick Douglass, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson have adopted Emerson’s views on individuality and have expressed these ideals through their work. The spirit of individuality and self-reliance, key principles of Transcendentalism, are noted in Frederick Douglass’ Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Walt Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself” and Emily Dickinson’s poem “Nature (790).” Through their literary work, Douglass, Whitman, and Dickinson share

This essay assignment is very similar to some of the ideas discussed in class. All that was talked about for days was the basic principle of individuality and nonconformity, and according to Dead Poets Society, that pretty much sums up what writing consists of. That seems to be why the class is writing this, to complete the whole lesson on uniqueness. In general, transcendentalists seem to be very inspirational toward anyone who ventures to read their work. As in the words of Emerson, “To great is to be misunderstood” (Emerson 370). This quote is the main idea of transcendentalism. After reading many pieces from this movement and watching the movie Dead Poets Society, I have found there to be many occurrences within the movie that

There are many sociological theories portrayed in the Dead Poet’s Society. One of the main theories is strain theory. Strain theory addresses the relationship between having socially acceptable goals and having socially acceptable means to reach those goals (Keirns, et al., 2015). This theory is seen in the movie because there are social structures within their society that pressures citizens to be a certain way. The main character Neil Perry was a rebellion of this theory. He had a passion to become an actor, but his father, as well as the rest of the people surrounding him, did not approve of his passion. Sure, his friends approved of it but they had no say in his life. His father continuously pressured him to focus on his studies and forget about his extracurricular activities. In the end, Neil ends up committing suicide because of the pressure that was put on him. He saw that they only way he could control his life was by taking it. It was the only control he had, his father controlled every other aspect of his life.

Transcendentalism is entirely unique, due to the literature's tendency to explore spirituality and individuality in a broad and progressive manner. Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson are considered the “fathers” of this movement in literature. After reading the two most famous pieces of work from these writers, Self-Reliance and Civil Disobedience it becomes clear that they both originate from the same purpose. Transcendentalism teaches that humans are fundamentally good, and that it is the nature of this society to corrupt and sin rather than an individual's. Both writers display this concept, but in opposite ways. Emerson and Thoreau share the theme of individuality in their pieces, and the passion they put into their essays Self-Reliance and Civil Disobedience. However while Emerson focuses on inward reflection Thoreau focuses on outward disobedience towards society.

The wave and dead poets’ society respectively show the struggle between the concepts of individuality and conformity. The book and movie adopt different techniques and concepts to help deliver their messages. These include the similar themes in both such as the use of a school setting, the teacher figure who encourages students to either conform or rebel and individual characters struggling to be themselves in a conformist setting.

Dead poet’s society was filmed through the eyes of transcendentalism using Emerson’s philosophy, as seen in walden. The film deals with a group of young men who attend a very strict boarding school and the english teacher who gives them a new perspective on everything, the damaging effects of conformity, beautiful sense of nature, and emphasis of simplicity and individuality are shown in many elements throughout Dead Poet’s Society and are ultimately highlighted by emerson and thoreau’s philosophies, making the overall concept of transcendentalism understood. _________

Many poets and directors believe in the concept of living life to the fullest. In this quote, by Sir Henry David Thoreau, he shows that we should live life to its fullest and make sure we make our mark while we still can, so people remember us. In the Movie," Dead Poets Society," a group of students from the Welton Prep School are moved by the teachings of their English teacher, Professor Keating. He teaches the boys to be their own boss, leaders and not followers. This quote relates to the movie because this quote tells what Keating wants to teach his kids. Many events take place during the movie that asks whether or not Professor Keating's teaching are appropriate, it is also questionable whether or not he

The statement that conformity and tradition are in opposition to individualism and defiance of authority is very true in The Dead Poet Society, and even more so in today’s society in general. One can walk into any high school and see this is true. In a typical high school, people seem to have very much in common, especially in dress, hair style, etc… which is in opposition to individualism in and of itself. People are so caught up in conforming to how society says they should live their lives, it really tarnishes the spirit of individuality human beings are meant to have.

Do you think if everyone went against your opinion and told you that you were wrong for it, you’d change your mind? There’s a man who did just that, named Ralph Waldo Emerson. He is considered “The father of the American Literary Renaissance” (Lauren). Emerson went against society’s normal beliefs and views. He encompassed the ideas of nature and self reliance. Emerson was criticized harshly by other authors about the views he expressed through his writings. In his lifetime he became known as the most widely known man of letters in America. (Vince). Not only was he criticized by other authors but society as well. A lot of people thought that he was strange for his way of thinking. Emerson was a naturalist and transcendentalist who expressed his beliefs through persuasive writing. Despite the thoughts of his critics, Emerson became a very well-known author who is still influential today.

“Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members” (Emerson 369). From Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance,” the saying explains how society wants every individual to conform to its beliefs and expectations. In addition, our manhood is the capability to have our own opinions and beliefs. Individualism is a major theme of Transcendentalism, which is a part of romanticism and combines not only literature and philosophy, but also religion. Some additional focuses of Transcendentalism are the belief that an oversoul exists, that the individual is the center of the universe, that one should involve themselves in civil disobedience, and that self reliance is better than dependence. With that, the followers consist of mainly fierce abolitionists. This movement only lasted ten years, but its influences are still seen today. Furthermore, Transcendentalism is hugely represented in the movie Dead Poets Society. It occurs at Welton Academy, an all boys school, when a new teacher, Mr. John Keating, takes the place of the retired English teacher. He is witty, heartwarming, and inspirational, and has many unorthodox teaching methods compared to the other teachers but the administration is not happy with him. Mr. Keating assists his students, especially Neil Perry, a boy who values independence and leadership, with the pressures of life and school. He encourages them to pursue their true dreams, not their parent’s dreams for