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Examples Of Individualism In Dead Poets Society

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Conformity versus individualism are central to the conflict in Weir's 'Dead Poet's Society'. An individual's attempt to go against the majority can lead to the inevitable consequence of conflict. It is imperative for a force to challenge another allowing the conflict to be a centralised focus. The concept of individualism assesses one's ability to defy the conformers or conformist and express their true nature, demonstrating the eternal notion of conformity versus individualism in Peter Weir's 'Dead Poet's Society'. Set in the 1950s, at an all boys preparatory school, Welton Academy is known for its ancient traditions and high standards. The introduction of a new English teacher, Mr John Keating, provides a catalyst for change throughout …show more content…

The progression of time facilitates for the boys' discovery of themselves, subsequently leading them to take major risks and begin challenging the authority and the establishment. It is illustrated in the scene where it is an assembly and the headmaster speaks to all the staff and students. Charlie breaks the tension with a ridiculous phone call, in response to which he is physically punished. This scene is effective in contrasting the two ideas as the headmaster represents conformity whereas Charlie represents individualism. Individuals versus the establishment is also apparent in the last scene where Todd and the other boys stand on their desks saying "O Captain! My Captain!". This phrase reveals the final irony, as it is quoted from Walt Whitman's poem in which the ship is sailing home victorious but her captain lies dead; a situation similar to their own. This scene shows the boys from a low angle gradually standing on their desks as the headmaster orders the boys to get down from the tables. The low angle shot empowers the boys, and is a breakthrough of Todd's cowardly character. As the headmaster of the establishment has been overthrown, demonstrating the effects of conflict between individualism and conformity, individuals versus the establishment becomes a centralised focus for this

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