Examples Of Transcendentalism In Dead Poets Society

Transcendentalism is a philosophy focusing on idealism; these beliefs look to material objects holding the truth rather than ideas about them. One can describe the idea of carpe diem as a profound focal point in the movie Dead Poets Society and many transcendental concepts. In the film, a group of boys come together and take a liking to Mr. Keating, a teacher that expresses the saying “seize the day” and its importance. The result is the adolescents’ decision to make the best of their possibilities and take chances. Any actions looking at the motto “seize the day” as an exemplar, and following Mr. Keating, yield a positive reaction; adhering to these actions, one can acquire a maturation of character. When describing Neil Perry as the main character in the film Dead Poets Society, his aspirations in the field of acting are evident. Disregarding his dad’s refusal and with the aid of Mr. Keating’s advice, Neil obtains a carpe-diem-like attitude and auditions for a play (Dead Poets Society). One could say

When Keating forces Todd to propel past the boundaries of his fear of public speaking, Todd's instinct has no choice but to take a chance while acting boldly and seizing the day (Dead Poets Society). This act allows Todd to overcome fear, thus growing in character. The maturation of his character is developing from Mr. Keating’s push on Todd’s boundaries. One could say Todd found his inner self, finding what may have been forever hidden; as Anderson establishes his change of character, one could only describe it as positive growth. From his final decision to take a stand as he defies his principal and apologizes for the wrongdoings of Mr. Keating, one can conclude Todd gains courage and boldness (Dead Poets Society). These actions show a colossal change in character development from a shy individual to an audacious young man beginning to grasp the understanding of