Dead Poets Society Transcendentalism Analysis

“Things do not change; we change”(Henry Thoreau). This quote relates to transcendentalism because in the movie Dead Poets Society each character goes through a change that changes them for the better. The movie Dead Poets Society is about a group of students who have a teacher who is different from the teachers at their boarding school. Mr. Keating uses different methods to teach his students. All the boy’s face a lot of pressure from their parents. Then one day the come across the Dead Poets Society and decide to start it. With the help of Mr. Keating, all the boys come out of their shell and become more comfortable with themselves. One example of transcendentalism is demonstrated by Neil; he shows social reform and spark of divinity. Another …show more content…
He can be seen showing human potential by his actions toward the end of the movie. After receiving the same gift he got the year before for his birthday, he talking to Neil and how much he doesn’t even like desk set that he already has. After talking to Neil for some time he decides to throw the desk set off the top of the building. This action of Todd shows that he is finally thinking for himself. Another time when Todd shows human potential is at the end of the movie when he stands up for Mr. Keating after he got fired for causing Neil to commit suicide. Todd finally learns how to talk for himself and be his own person. The action of showing human potential for Todd really helps him be himself.
Throughout the movie, each of the main characters learns something about themselves from Mr. Keating. All the boys show examples of transcendentalism throughout the movie but most of them come to light at the end. One thing I have learned from this movie is how important it is to show human potential and being able to speak for yourself in certain suspicions that you get put into. Having the talent to do something that you are scared to do is a big part of life in my