Dead Poets Society Conformity

A Rebellion Against Conformity

“That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”
—Walt Whitman
“What will your verse be?”
—John Keating Set in the 1950s, amidst the era when conservatism and uniformity overtook American culture, “Dead Poets Society” represents a break with tradition, in which individualism and uniqueness emerge as some of the key messages that the film conveys. Throughout the movie, one major theme arising is the clash between the idea of conformity and the urge to diverge from social norms in the pursuit of passion. This battle of conformity versus deviance underlies the conflict

Under the yoke of reluctant obedience and total control that is imposed upon him by his father, Neil has no say in even the smallest decisions about his life. But inspired by Mr. Keating’s teaching of seizing every opportunity possible, Neil finally finds the courage to follow his dream of becoming an actor. However, Mr. Perry, Neil’s authoritarian father, never gives him the opportunity to express his opinions or feelings but instead holds tightly to the conviction that getting good grades and going to Harvard is the sole best path that is already designated for Neil. From his firm belief that only by becoming a doctor will his son achieves success, we can see that Mr Perry is also trapped in the vicious cycle of conformity: he has long acquiesced to the dominance of established social patterns, and he’s making his son do the same thing. Sadly, in the end, Neil has chosen to take a much more dreadful path to “freedom.” The scene in the room when Mr. Perry asks Neil how he feels but Neil responds with “Nothing” marks the point where he has given up on trying to explain to his father. It dawned on Neil that no matter what he does or says, his father will not understand. The film reaches its culmination when Neil chooses to end his miserable life of obedience and powerlessness. His way of escaping the grip of his father is the most extreme form of rebellion. To Neil, at least this time he has taken control of his life. For once, he gets to decide what to do with his life, that is, sacrificing himself for the love of