The attitude to education demonstrated by the film "Dead Poets' Society"
...de to education. He first of all breaks tradition by taking the first lesson out in the foyer instead of the classroom. Then, in the second class, he starts excluding parts of the syllabus (Pritchard scale) and goes as far as instructing the students to tear out pages of their text books. This breaks not only school tradition but encouraging such reckless behaviour would not be considered discipline. His view on English is that: “We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are all noble pursuits, and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” He feels this aspect of education is not just about contributing to purse noble professions but it is what humans live for. He gives a very idealistic attitude to education through his beliefs and teachings. This however contradicts the over all outlook, especially from the school’s perspective. This is evident from Mr. McAllister’s disbelief in Mr. Keating creating “free thinkers at seventeen”. This is further proven with Mr. Nolan’s talks to Mr. Keating about his “unorthodox teaching methods”. Mr. Nolan’s attitude is education is clearly established when replies to Keating’s “idea of educating was to learn to think for yourself” with “At these boys' ages? Not on your life!” This was a similar reaction to Mr. McAllister. However he goes on to say “Tradition, John. Discipline. Prepare them for college, and the rest will take care of itself” This is the key attitude to education demonstrated by the film especially since Mr. Keating’s outlook on education resulted in his dismissal. The students briefly demonstrate both of the opposing attitudes to education in the film while the parents seem to represent authority hence support the traditional and disciplinary views of the school. At first glance when each of the students is introduced, they seem fairly conforming with only a hint of disguised rebellion. Neil is “expect(ed) of great things this year” and seem to oblige. Study groups being set up the first thing back (still unpacking) demonstrate the students’ willingness to education. However, Meeks, who seems to be the smartest, refers to Welton as Hell-ton which seems to be common practise amongst students since Mr. Keating says “I too attended Hell-ton”. Their attitude to education seems ambitious as depicted by the phrases “Mr. Future Lawyer and Mr. Future Banker” These students break tradition and many other school rules when they form and regularly attended the Dead Poets Society and become the “free thinkers” just as Mr. Keating aspired them to. As the film progresses the repression of the students from the school and their parents is quite evident with Neil asking Mr. Keating “You can do anything. How can you stand being here?” implying he(Nei...