Literary and Philosophical Movement: THe Transcendental Movement

With the early decades of the nineteenth century came the transcendental movement. This both literary, and philosophical movement was, and still is, closely linked with the work of both Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. These men were both extremely learned thinkers of their time and are now the poster children of transcendentalism. Transcendentalists, such as Emerson and Thoreau, believed that for an individual to establish what they believe to be the true reality of God, the universe, and themselves. Ideas that the basis of transcendentalism is created upon are still being used to this day in popular culture, such as in films and literary works. One case of a modern work in which the aspects of transcendentalism are comprised is the film, Dead Poets Society. This film shows that the desire to make change for the better is exceedingly positive. However, it becomes clear, specifically at the climax of the film that rising above what is expected may not lead to something as positive as it was intended to do. Throughout the movie, Dead Poets Society, multiple fundamental elements of transcendentalism are displayed in a manor that sheds light on the ideas of transcendentalism and its position in modern-day society, or lack there of.

Many of the ideals emphasized by Emerson and Thoreau are incorporated into the plot of Dead Poets Society. The character in which plays a major role in this film and the prime example of transcendental values is John Keating. Mr. Keating is hired as the English teacher at Welton Academy, the setting of the film. From the very starting point of the movie, Mr. Keating stresses the importance of non-conformity to his students, which is a key element of transcendentalism. For example, Ke...

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...ffects the lives of people in this day and age. In the movies case, transcendentalism is displayed as a negative force that does not fit in modern society, especially in Welton Academy. Mr. Keating attempting to enlighten some of Welton’s students and make them aware of the “dangers of conformity,” in order for them to realize that they should follow the path in life in which they choose, whatever it may be. The films objective of how they would like to portray transcendentalism is evident due to the fact that it includes consequences and hard ships that occur due to the boys beginning to pursue a move self-reliant outlook on life. Though transcendental values are positive and Mr. Keating has good intentions when teaching students, especially the members of the “Dead Poets Society” its values, as a whole the film sheds a very negative light on transcendentalism.