DEAD POETS SOCIETY
"Carpe Diem" and "O Captain! My Captain" are but a few of the phrases emphasized on in the movie Dead Poets Society which is directed by Peter Weir. This films follows the lives of a couple of private school teenagers that had their lives changed forever because of the unorthodox teaching methods of their English teacher, Mr Keating. Through his teachings, his students learn things such as individuality and seizing the day etc. There are a vast number of themes covered in this movie, yet none are as dominant as the following:

The first theme is that of , "Carpe Diem." Mr Keating excels at preaching this belief to his students. He wants them to be extraordinary and live life to the fullest. One of his students named Neil has a passion for theater, and sure enough after much encouragement from Mr Keating he ends up with the lead role in a play. Another student of his named Todd is very shy and is not someone who tends to voice his thoughts and speak often in class, but will the help of Mr Keating he seizes the day by finally building up the courage to speak up more often than usual.

The second theme is that of non-conformity. The private school that they attend is one of very high accolades. Because of these accolades and successes over the years, they would rather people do not stray from their beliefs and their teaching methods. Mr Keating wants to make distinct individuals of each of his students. He begins by making them tear up a section of the poetry textbook they are using because he believes one cannot rate poetry on a scale. He also challenges his students to think for themselves.

The third and last theme is one of peer pressure. Since they are teenagers peer pressure will inevitably exist. It is not as serious as the cases today where people are pressured into drinking alcohol etc. It is just mild peer pressure in moments like when Todd didn't want to join the Dead Poets Society but then they persuaded him to. As well as another instance where Todd didn't want to read any poetry for their meetings but, once again, they persuaded him to.

Dead Poets Society is a very interesting piece of cinematography that teaches one to think for themselves and to seize the day. When the day is done and Mr Keating disembarks, no matter what transpired before this, you will still hear the never-ending cry of " O Captain! My Captain" from his pupils.