Dead poet’s society was filmed through the eyes of transcendentalism using Emerson’s philosophy, as seen in walden. The film deals with a group of young men who attend a very strict boarding school and the english teacher who gives them a new perspective on everything, the damaging effects of conformity, beautiful sense of nature, and emphasis of simplicity and individuality are shown in many elements throughout Dead Poet’s Society and are ultimately highlighted by emerson and thoreau’s philosophies, making the overall concept of transcendentalism understood. It shows this philosophy very well through the death of Neil Perry, opening of students, and Mr. Keating as the voice of transcendentalism.
Main character of the film Neil Perry, an overachieving, good natured young man who is unwillingly committed to become a doctor due to his very strict father. All his life Neil had been obedient to his father, until English teacher John Keating instilled some spirit in him and helped Neil pursue acting, an art Neil has always admired. After auditioning, he received the lead role in the play and processed to forge a permission slip to give to the headmaster so he could attend rehearsal; this is the first time Neil has done anything against his father’s wishes. Eventually, Mr. Perry hears about his son’s doing and goes to the school demanding him to quit the play, command Neil only pretends to obey. On opening night, Mr. Perry shows up and stays to watch the show, although he is not