Character Analysis: The Road Not Taken

In the Peter Weir film, Dead Poet’s Society, many characters are exposed to the idea and benefits of living according to their own desires, rather than other peoples. After this exposure, character’s are forced to choose which path to ultimately embark on. Robert Frost’s renowned poem, The Road Not Taken, explores similar situations and themes as well. The poem is so spectacular because of the fact that the message relates to almost anyone, and therefore the speaker is very versatile. While many characters definitely could have fit in as the speaker of this poem, Neil Perry’s story draws significant parallels making him the best fit for the speaker of the poem. At the elite Vermont boarding school called Welton Academy, conformity is ingrained in all they do. They wear the same …show more content…
After unorthodox lessons from their new english teacher, Mr. Keating, and ‘Dead Poet Society’ meetings, Neil decides to pursue a dream he has always had; acting. With the encouragement of Mr. Keating, Neil confronts his father and shares his true passion for acting and performs as a lead in in “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” Mr. Perry is less than approving of this choice. With some level of plausibility, he reinforces the fact that attending Welton Academy provides many opportunities for success for Neil, and his taking part in acting would hinder Neil from achieving his utmost potential. Neil is devastated, as he is now confined by his father’s commands for him to go to military school. He recognizes that he is now unable to chase after his own dreams and attending military school would ensure the end of any of his true passions- acting and participation in the ‘Dead Poet’s Society.’ At this point in Neil’s life, he sees two paths to take; either living a life of oppression without being able to pursue his passions, or dying a free