O Captain my Captain is engraved in the thoughts of the school boys and is the first stepping stone Mr. Keaty lays in his goal to show the students how to think for themselves. The importance of “carpe diem,” making the best out of life and striving towards what the individual desires are the main lessons taught by Peter Weir in his film “The Dead Poets Society”. The film is influential in todays society and is often applauded for it’s excellent acting and deeper meanings.
The idea to seize the day, carpe diem, is often referred to in the film, first being mention when Mr. Keaty shows his students pictures of old graduates. He tells them that most of the graduates never took chances and were too narrow-minded in their studies. Most students believe they need good grades in sciences and math in order to be successful in the working world but that is not always the case. The idea to seize the day and open the mind to new ideas allowed the boys to see their full potential. Todd Anderson was pulled out of his shell where he stayed to himself not saying much and into the real world. Neil Perry stood up to his controlling father and started pursuing a career in acting when he got the main role in a play, and Knox Overstreet took advantage of Mr. Keaty’s advice, going after Chris, the girl he was in love with, rushing into her classroom and reading her a poem he wrote for her. All the boys to advantage of their time after hearing Mr Keaty’s words and were glad that they decided to seize the day.
Along with carpe diem the boys also put forth an effort to make the best out of life. Instead of hiding in their dorm rooms studying for hours to prepare for a chemistry test they decided to go and have fun. They gave the Dead Poets Society a new birth and held regular gatherings in the woods where they would read aloud to each other and have fun. Knox also took special advantage of this idea and decided to go to a public school party at the Danburry’s house. He made a bold move and kissed Charlie on the couch which ended with a black eye but was a major accomplishment for Knox.
With making the best out of life, another common theme shown throughout the film is the idea to strive towards the desires of the individual. Neil Perry showed the greatest level of desire when he pursued his passion for acting. He first told Todd about his idea to audition for the play but was met with doubt and worry. Todd knew Neil's dad would not approve and force him to drop it but Neil went forth with the plan. Neil rushed back into the dorm to tell Todd he got the main part and then went forth with forging a letter of approval from his father. The word eventually spread and Mr. Perry confronted Niel about the play. Neil was allowed to perform at the play and was the star of the show thinking he had proven to his father that he could go on in life acting. Neil was dragged home by his father where his dreams of acting were crushed by his father enrolling him in military school. Neil committed suicide that night and showed his father that what he really wanted to do, which was act. The perseverance Neil showed towards achieving his goal was cut short but still stood out as an important theme that the striving for the desires of the individual is an important part of life.
“The Dead Poets Society” demonstrates many themes throughout the film which deliver a powerful affect on the viewer. The ideas of carpe diem, making the best out of life and striving towards individual desires add to the suspense and overall mood of the movie. The boys will never forget their English teacher, or as they say: O Captain! My Captain!
