Examples Of Transcendentalism In Dead Poets Society

Throughout Dead Poets Society, there is a crucial theme of transcendentalism suspended over the plot; perhaps this theme is the reason why the story is so interesting to its viewers. Without a doubt, these interesting aspects are created by a variety of symbols, carefully molded into each scene of the story. Being that there exists several symbolic scenes, one must take a step back and look at this story as a whole. This perspective will make the main symbol stand out, as it lasts for the duration of the movie. The most powerful symbol is the character of John Keating, portraying God in the eyes of transcendentalism.

To begin with, continuous analysis of literature, film, and music allows one to see that God is a common resurfacing

symbol in many pieces of work. In Dead Poets Society, John Keating seems to be a recurring source of advice and instruction for the boys in their difficult time at Welton. During one of Keating’s appearances in poetry class, he stands upon his desk and encourages his students to constantly look at the world from a different perspective. While looking at him stand on his desk and give valuable advice, a transcendentalist’s illustration of God is formed. According to Thoreau, “god himself culminates in the present, and will never be more divine in the lapse of all the ages.” Thoreau implies that, like God, we should live life powerfully and righteously in the present, rather than worrying about affairs of the future or the past. This same lesson is implied in Keating’s teachings when he stands on his desk and informs them of this new perspective. The image created fits well in the movie when the boys continue to step on to his desk, as if they were disciples to his transcendental ideals.
Furthermore, many Christians seek happiness and tranquility through practicing their faith with God; they additionally look to Him for comfort and discernment during their sorrows.

By reading the Bible, a direct instruction of living life by His word, Christians can find this comfort and happiness. To the boys attending the poetry class, Keating is a source of the same comfort. Because of Keating’s helpful instruction and caring attitude towards the boys, his character resembles the wise image of God. Keating often has to advise the students to practice free will with caution because of society’s dramatic responses to transcendental actions. In one scene, Neil is confronted by his selfish father, who stringently demands his son to not take part in the school’s play. Later, Neil goes to Keating for advice on what choice to make and explains that he is the only person who Neil can really talk to about his true feelings. Keating then tells Neil to honestly tell the narrow-minded father about what he really wants to do with his life. This advice follows the importance of self-reliance. “Insist on yourself; never imitate. Your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life's cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another you have only an extemporaneous half possession” (Emerson). Neil should be proud of his talent and stay persistent against his father in order to live a life of nonconformity. Just as society denied God’s words before the

resurrection of Jesus, the community at Walton University looks down upon Keating’s teachings and the individuality of the boys. As a source of comfort and transcendental ideals, Keating is treated like an all-knowing God by his poetry students.
In conclusion, Keating’s symbol as God stays present in the tense, developing plot of Dead Poets Society. With his ability to mentor the emotional students, as well as his standing as a source of comfort, an obvious correlation between him and God illuminates the story. He also retains the characteristics of a true transcendentalist by practicing and teaching their ideals in a overpowering community. “I am nothing. I see all. The currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God” (Emerson).