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The award winning film 'Dead Poet's Society' directed by Peter Weir effectively portrays the theme of challenging authority through the rebellion of the students against the institution of their school. The film 'Dead Poet's Society' is set in the fictional 'Welton Academy' a prestigious boarding school that prides itself on producing some of the finest and most educated young men of the country. The film is set in the time period of the 1950's and exemplifies the strict rules that schools had at that time, which is reflected by the schools motto 'Tradition, Honour, Discipline, Excellence'. In contrast to the rigid and stern backdrop of the school, Mr. Keating, a new English teacher, is a source of inspiration to the students. His unorthodox teaching style and methods challenge the very foundation of education in the 50's. Instructing students to tear pages from textbooks and standing on desks are but some of the "crazy" methods he uses to communicate his point of view. Mr Keating also helps them to build up their confidence by encouraging them to pursue their own interests, rather than being the boy that Welton wanted them to be.
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Ultimately, Mr. Keating leads the boys to reviving a group known as the 'Dead Poet Society' which is used as an outlet for the boys to express their own opinions and thoughts. The creation of the Dead Poet Society opened the floodgates for the group of boys, as they took their new found confidence to other aspects of their lives, including challenging the authority of their parents. In the case of Neil Perry, the Dead Poet Society enabled him to be able to stand up to his controlling father and express his longing to become an actor. This film paints a remarkable picture of what living a life of oppression could yield, as well as the benefits of defying institutions that care more about conformity than individuals.
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Peter Weir incorporates a variety of film techniques to his film in order to convey his ideas about conformity and challenging authority. Dialogue is the main device that was used to communicate ideas of challenging authority between the characters. Relevant dialogue can create ideas between characters or between characters and viewers. This is an instrumental aspect of the movie, as many of Weir's ideas are communicated through dialogue between characters. Their progression from nameless schoolboys to the Dead Poet Society occurred primarily from dialogue and stimulus between characters. '…you must trust that your beliefs are unique, your own, even though others may think them odd or unpopular'. This quote demonstrates Weir's ideals, as he is trying to lead the boys on their own paths of individuality and expression, rather than the paths chosen for them by the school.
Symbolism is also used as a form of expression. For example, Charles Danton draws zigzags on his face and chest, which he claimed symbolises virility or manliness. This symbol was a medium of Charles to express his disdain for the institution that oppressed him and his free thinking. The Dead Poet Society itself is also a symbol of rebellion for the boys, as it is their only means of defying Welton Academy as a group.
Neil's performance of a 'Midsummer Night's Dream' is also a critical symbol in the scheme of the movie. His role in that play symbolises his longing to be free of Welton and its strict rules and regulation son the students. It demonstrates his desire to be free of his father's oppressive plans and his longing to be free, just like his character, 'Puck'.
Symbolism is also used as a form of expression. For example, Charles Danton draws zigzags on his face and chest, which he claimed symbolises virility or manliness. This symbol was a medium of Charles to express his disdain for the institution that oppressed him and his free thinking. The Dead Poet Society itself is also a symbol of rebellion for the boys, as it is their only means of defying Welton Academy as a group.
Neil's performance of a 'Midsummer Night's Dream' is also a critical symbol in the scheme of the movie. His role in that play symbolises his longing to be free of Welton and its strict rules and regulation son the students. It demonstrates his desire to be free of his father's oppressive plans and his longing to be free, just like his character, 'Puck'.
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The final scene of 'Dead Poet Society' encapsulates all of Weir's intentions in creating this film. The boys standing on their desks in honour of Mr. Keating and in defiance of Mr. Nolan and his teaching ties off the movie on defiant note. By standing on their tables the boys are showing respect and admiration for Mr. Keating and his teachings, as well as disdain for Mr. Nolan and his rigid teaching style. Even more fitting is that Todd Anderson should start the protest, when at the beginning of the film he was extremely introverted and shy. It was through Mr. Keating's teachings that Todd was able to gain some confidence to finally be able to honour his teacher. "No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world. This quote shows the style of teaching that Mr. Keating implemented into his classrooms; that of freedom of thinking and of speech, rather than the strict restrictive style of Mr. Nolan.
Dead Poet Society is a perfect example of Challenging Authority in text. It perfectly integrates both entertainment and a more serious issue of Challenging Authority. The concepts are conveyed through relatable means, which makes for a more enjoyable viewing experience. The boys, like all teenagers, are struggling to come to terms with the strict rules and boring classes that make up their schooling. They look for outlets to channel their rebellious ideas through. The Dead Poet Society is one such outlet. By challenging the authority Mr. Nolan and his three pillars, the boys are creating their own identities and dreams. This evolution is present throughout the film, most notably when Neil confesses his desire to become an actor rather than a doctor like his father wanted. Mr. Keating also challenges authority in his own way. By using unorthodox teaching methods and encouraging individuality in his students, rather than condemning expression and creativity.
Dead Poet Society is a perfect example of Challenging Authority in text. It perfectly integrates both entertainment and a more serious issue of Challenging Authority. The concepts are conveyed through relatable means, which makes for a more enjoyable viewing experience. The boys, like all teenagers, are struggling to come to terms with the strict rules and boring classes that make up their schooling. They look for outlets to channel their rebellious ideas through. The Dead Poet Society is one such outlet. By challenging the authority Mr. Nolan and his three pillars, the boys are creating their own identities and dreams. This evolution is present throughout the film, most notably when Neil confesses his desire to become an actor rather than a doctor like his father wanted. Mr. Keating also challenges authority in his own way. By using unorthodox teaching methods and encouraging individuality in his students, rather than condemning expression and creativity.
QUOTES
"Don't just jump off like Lemmings! Take a look around!"- Mr. Keating.
This quote looks simple, but Mr. Keating is encouraging the students to be individuals and not to follow precedent. This quote exemplifies Mr. Keating's bold teaching strategy.
"We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."- Mr. Keating
Again, Mr. Keating is encouraging the students to be passionate and expressive in their study of the English language. He is helping the students be more confident in themselves.
This quote looks simple, but Mr. Keating is encouraging the students to be individuals and not to follow precedent. This quote exemplifies Mr. Keating's bold teaching strategy.
"We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."- Mr. Keating
Again, Mr. Keating is encouraging the students to be passionate and expressive in their study of the English language. He is helping the students be more confident in themselves.