Thematic Analysis of Dead Poets Society

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Peter Holmes

March 3, 2002

Dr. Gulley

Freshman Comp. 2

Thematic Analysis of Dead Poets Society

The theme of Dead Poets Society is about the clash between realism and romanticism that occurs throughout the struggles of Neil Perry, Knox Overstreet, and John Keating.  Romanticism is a major theme that is expressed throughout Neil’s conflict with his father and Knox’s youthful love of a local girl.  Keating, the greatest romantic of all, causes both of these sub-plots with his unconventional style of teaching.  The other contrasting theme, which is Realism, comes into play when Neil commits suicide and when the school comes down hard on Keating.  

        In the beginning of Dead Poets Society, the students are just arriving back to school for another year.  Excited and full of energy, the students greet one another and notice a new member at the school who is the younger brother of a former valedictorian.  The students also discover another change.  The facility has a new member who is a poetry teacher.  The kids will soon realize how important of a role this new teacher will play in their lives.

        The first struggle, that can be considered a conflict, is between Neil and his father.  Neil dreams of being an actor and his father, wanting his son to have chances that he never had, refuses that his son partake in anything that has to do with acting.  In spite of his father’s opinion, Neil, inspired by Keating’s “seize the day” approach to life, goes to the auditions for an upcoming play at a local theater and lands the role of Puck in a Midsummer Night's Dream.  Thinking that this high accomplishment might change his father’s opinion, Neil tells him the good news.  This however didn’t persuade Mr. Perry, and he still told Neil that he wasn’t allowed to perform.  This disheartening news came a day before the performance, so Neil decides to confide in his teacher about the dilemma.  Keating gradually gets to the point that Neil should follow his heart and not always what his father wants.  This gives Neil the courage to do the performance.  

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The next day is when Neil’s life hits a peak and then bottoms out.  During the performance, while Neil is between scenes, he sees his father enter the auditorium and for a moment he is shocked and unable to speak.  Nonetheless, he gains his composure and gives the greatest performance of his life and receives a standing ovation from the large crowd.  This moment gives the viewer chills, the kind someone might get when listening to the national anthem in a time of national distress.  Surrounded by excited and happy fans, Neil is at the peak of success.  This is ...

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