How Is Dead Poets Society Portrayed In The 1980's

The 1980’s generation is known as the Millennials. During the 1980’s, society witnessed the rise of the internet, television, and technology. In the 1980’s, films began to appeal to a younger audience. Dead Poets Society appeals to a younger audience because the film is about the lives of high school kids. Footloose and The Breakfast Club are two films released in the 1980’s portraying high school. Films in the 1980’s began to deal with themes appealing to teenagers such as conformity, individualism, and the relationship between teenagers and figures of authority. In the year 1989, director Peter Weir directed the film Dead Poets Society. Neil Perry is the main character and tragic hero of the film. Neil Perry’s father constantly pushes Neil

The English teacher, Mr. Keating, tells his students about the Dead Poets Society. Mr. Keating’s teaching methods are unorthodox. He teaches his students to look at poetry from a different perspective and to, “Seize the day” (Dead Poets Society). Neil Perry’s father, Mr. Perry, is the villain of the film. Mr. Perry constantly reinforces his high expectations for his son Neil. He forces Neil to quit all of his extracurricular activities and focus on becoming a doctor. Neil gathers all of his friends and restarts the Dead Poets Society. Mr. Keating’s teachings stress the importance of living life on your own terms and not conforming to others. Neil discovers he has a passion for acting. He goes against his father’s desires and tries out for the lead role in the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mr. Perry finds out his son’s involvement in the play and forces his son to quit the play. Neil negates his father’s wishes and continues to pursue his love for acting. Mr. Perry tells Neil he is enrolling him in a military academy as a punishment for Neil’s rebellious actions. Neil then takes radical actions and decides to end his