Dead Poets Society-Belonging

Weir's use of characterization reveals Neil Perry, a prime example of an individual who is forced to sacrifice his own desires in order to morph and be accepted into his school society. Weir exemplfies Perry as being an ambiguous symbol of the oppressed who, although appears to belong to his school group, fails to find a true sense of identity and individual belonging in himself. Perry's tenacious lack of self-acceptance is depicted through dialogue by Mr Keating, "You're acting for him too". This is spoken through an inclusive tone emphasizing the facade created by Perry. This creates an unnatural perception for Perry of himself.

Symbolism is used through the relationship between Perry and Todd. Todd's character affirms a student who struggles to fit the high expectations of the traditional school of Welton. He beholds strong notions of alienation and isolation which is a symbol for Perry's desire to break the barriers of social coherence but through his pathos and poignancy towards himself, his isolation worsens. Todd's shy nature can be viewed as a struggle to speak out against societal expectations. This internal struggle can be hyperbolized with Perry's view of his own struggles to speak against his father.


In the final scene, a wide-angle camera shit is employed   in the underlying theme of belonging. The wide-angle shot delineates the boys one by one making their decisions to effectively choose Mr Keatings ideology of non-conformity and liberation shown through his unorthodox teaching methods to re-establish the boys. The hot allows the viewer to see the empty desks with many students standing on them calling out "O Captain, My Captain", to Mr Keating. This is symbolic of those who did not conform, partaking on a journey they have long been seeking to forgo and helps illuminate the impact the teacher has had on the students, guiding them to attain quality and distinction, very much embracing the beliefs of "Carpe Diem". This encrypts the decisive...