In Peter Weirs’s film ‘Dead Poets Society’, the setting and ethics of Welton clearly suggest that the boys are trapped which is reflected through Neil Perry’s journey. The stifling atmosphere and orthodox teaching methods of the school, presented through various techniques are the main characteristics that cultivate oppression. The prominent effects of being ‘trapped’ can be seen through drastic change in Neil's life over the course of the film, validating the assertion about above.
The setting of the prestigious school, acting as a shackle, impedes the boys’ ability of using their imagination and expressing themselves, clearly implying that the pupils of the school feel confined. Presented as the ‘best preparatory school in the United States’, …show more content…
Power of authority is highlighted through low angle shots when Nolan addresses the boy, which displays his rigid grip enclosing the students. On the contrary, Keating’s progressive teaching style contrasts the previous shots of the classrooms and simultaneously emphasizes how hampered the boys felt before attending his class. By entering the his class while whistling the “1812 Overture’, conducting an unconventional walking exercise and requesting students to rip out the poetry intro, Keating is symbolizing independence the boys will gain in his class by rejecting the ethos of radical conformity. During the lesson, the camera spins around Todd to create a sense of confusion and illustrate the distinction between Keating’s innovative pedagogy as opposed to restricted approach of the other faculty members. He wants the students to become ‘free thinker’s’ as exemplified in his exchange with McAllister concerning their opposing beliefs. As Neil refers to his friends as ‘Mr. Future Lawyer’ or ‘Mr. Future Banker’, Keating is also aware of this radical notion regarding an impressive career; however, he embraces the expectation of Welton to inspire his students rather than intimidate and trap them. He often quotes ‘Carpe Diem’, the philosophy of the Dead Poets Society, which encourages the boys to express their passion and seize the day so they don’t ‘live quiet lives of desperation’ like they are in the cramped environment of Welton. In the final scene, when the boys stand on the desks, it represents them breaking free from confinement by literally standing on a symbol of repression. Essentially, Keating’s aim is for the boys is ‘to find your own voice’- the ‘barbarian in you’- which will serve as the hunger to break free from the confining walls of Welton, yet, this battle costs Neil his
The setting of the prestigious school, acting as a shackle, impedes the boys’ ability of using their imagination and expressing themselves, clearly implying that the pupils of the school feel confined. Presented as the ‘best preparatory school in the United States’, …show more content…
Power of authority is highlighted through low angle shots when Nolan addresses the boy, which displays his rigid grip enclosing the students. On the contrary, Keating’s progressive teaching style contrasts the previous shots of the classrooms and simultaneously emphasizes how hampered the boys felt before attending his class. By entering the his class while whistling the “1812 Overture’, conducting an unconventional walking exercise and requesting students to rip out the poetry intro, Keating is symbolizing independence the boys will gain in his class by rejecting the ethos of radical conformity. During the lesson, the camera spins around Todd to create a sense of confusion and illustrate the distinction between Keating’s innovative pedagogy as opposed to restricted approach of the other faculty members. He wants the students to become ‘free thinker’s’ as exemplified in his exchange with McAllister concerning their opposing beliefs. As Neil refers to his friends as ‘Mr. Future Lawyer’ or ‘Mr. Future Banker’, Keating is also aware of this radical notion regarding an impressive career; however, he embraces the expectation of Welton to inspire his students rather than intimidate and trap them. He often quotes ‘Carpe Diem’, the philosophy of the Dead Poets Society, which encourages the boys to express their passion and seize the day so they don’t ‘live quiet lives of desperation’ like they are in the cramped environment of Welton. In the final scene, when the boys stand on the desks, it represents them breaking free from confinement by literally standing on a symbol of repression. Essentially, Keating’s aim is for the boys is ‘to find your own voice’- the ‘barbarian in you’- which will serve as the hunger to break free from the confining walls of Welton, yet, this battle costs Neil his