Topic: The main theme of the film is conformity. Discuss.
The theme of conformity is strongly highlighted throughout the film Dead Poets Society. This obvious notion is apparent through both the enhancement of conformity and breaking free of it. The evidence of denying individuality is found with how the school operates. It is shown as Mr Keating teaches the boys of the dangers of conformity and the importance of independence. The students in this film also aim to free themselves of the grasps of traditional criterions.
Conformity is evident in Welton Academy, a prestigious preparatory school rich in tradition. The school administration operates Welton on a concept of conformity: students should all obey the set rules and established boundaries and standards. This impression was introduced in the first scene, the opening assembly of a new school year in Welton. The setting of the hall is dull and grey, devoid of bright colours, along with very dim lighting; underlining the austere image of the school. It becomes even more apparent as boys in uniform enter, holding the four pillars of the school: Tradition, Discipline, Excellence and Honour. The principal, Mr Nolan, announces Welton’s superb reputation along with the great expectations by declaring the achievements of the alumni; underlying the future path that all students should follow despite their own different dreams. Curriculum-wise, Mr Keating’s teaching method is criticised as ‘unorthodox’ – Welton treasures not free thinking, but the Empty Vessel theory. What Welton values is compliant students acting accordingly to the prevailing conventions of the school.
The idea of conformity and fighting against it is emphasized in Mr Keating’s lessons. Mr Keating appreciates and encourages individual thoughts, which diverges to what Welton esteems. In the movie, Keating urges the students to tear up the introduction of the English book, signifying an attempt to escape from the tightening noose of submissively accepting traditional values. Even the term repeated continuously by the teacher – ‘Carpe Diem’ – is evidence of the strong non-conformity aspect in his classes. The viewer also sees him warning the boys of the dangers of conformity and illustrating his point by letting them stride around the courtyard: even though people start off at different paces, they soon begin to lose their own rhythms and start to march in unison. Keating quotes Robert Frost’s lines during the lesson, “Two roads diverged in a wood and I, /I took the one less travelled by, /And that has made all the difference.”, again accenting the importance of individuality. Mr Keating concentrates on teaching the students how to think freely instead of pouring in knowledge into empty vessels – contradicting the ‘conforming’ element that the school administration is trying to enhance.
The film also explores conformity by the students’ struggle against it. When Neil, Knox, Charlie and Meeks chant their version of the four pillars: Travesty, Decadence, Excrement, and Horror, the viewer sees the defiant side of the students. As Mr Keating introduces the idea of ‘Carpe Diem’, they try to break off the shackles of conformity by pursuing their dreams. Some of the boys’ ‘Carpe Diem’ proves to be spontaneous and foolish; some succeeds in fulfilling it; some are delighted by the new world Mr Keating had introduced to them, yet unable to break free from the strains and pressures of authority. Moreover, the boys reform the ‘Dead Poets Society, even when Mr Keating says “I doubt the present administration would look favourably upon that.” Their first gathering contained elements of secrecy: dark silhouettes and hooded figures racing in the dark – symbols of a rebellious underground cult meeting. From their behaviours and deeds, it’s clear to see that the students resist against authority in their own ways.
Accepting established rules and standards is the dominant theme of the film. Welton expects absolute conformity from its students. Furthermore, Mr Keating delivers a message of breaking free from established views, and the boys show in their actions and words their resistance of the conventional standards that is being pressed on by authority.
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