Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Dead Poets Society

Well, we couldn't watch Dead Poets Society in its entirety, but I want you to see how the principles of Romanticism and Transcendentalism pervade the film.The film takes place at a traditional, restrictive boys' boarding school in 1950s New England. An iconoclastic teacher encourages the students to read poetry and express their individuality with both inspiring and heartbreaking results.

Watch the clips below and discuss how they demonstrate Transcendentalist ideas. You may also comment on other examples of Transcendentalism in pop culture. An example would be Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," which has messages of non-conformity. Remember that the major tenets of Transcendentalism are Nonconformity, Self-Reliance, Importance of Nature, Favoring Intuition over Reason, and Simplicity.





1 comment:

  1. I really love this movie! Especially because of the realistic reactions given by the boys when confronted by a teacher who challenges them to think in a way that is outside of their comfort zones. The effect that this one teacher has on these boys whether for good or for bad (no spoilers) is a spectacle to watch. Rest in peace, Robin Williams.

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