Individualism in Dead Poet’s Society
by Feross Aboukhadijeh, 11th grade
The movie Dead Poet’s Society explores the concept of
individualism in great depth. The numerous conflicts that the characters
face throughout the movie demonstrate the fundamental principles of
existentialism and transcendentalism. Neil Perry’s suicide, for
instance, illustrates the disturbing existential consequences that can
transpire when an individual’s authority is allowed to prevail against
tradition. On the other hand, however, the triumph of the individual
spirit may sometimes have a positive outcome—as in the case of Knox
Overstreet, an example of transcendentalism. When Knox becomes obsessed
with a certain girl named “Chris”—without actually meeting her—he ends
up risking his life to win her heart. In both cases, characters assume
individual authority for their choices and stop obeying traditional
authority figures; they embark on a trip of self-discovery and
individual growth that will have a lasting impact on their futures.
One obvious example of existentialism is Neil Perry’s unfortunate
suicide. When Neil Perry decides to pursue a career in the performing
arts, rather than in medicine, his father, Mr. Perry, is furious.
Unmoved by Neil’s extraordinary performance in the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream,
Mr. Perry continues to insist on controlling his son’s life and
dictating his every move. But Mr. Perry’s efforts were in vain; Neil had
already experienced freedom—a privilege not easily relinquished. Neil
eventually stands up to his father, but is unable to communicate his
opinions to the increasing tyrannical traditionalist figure that his
father has become. Rather than continuing to live a dreary half-life,
Neil decides that the only way to gain control is by taking his own
life. Though he lost everything in the process, suicide
was the only way for Neil to stand up to his father and live life to the
fullest (ala “Carpe Diem”). Through the act of suicide, Neil is taking
control of his life decisions—and must, as a result, accept the
consequences. Neil’s clearly existential actions were a necessary step
in his process of self-discovery and individual growth.
On
the complete other side of the spectrum is Knox Overstreet, the poster
child of transcendentalism—and romanticism, in general. Knox recognizes
the vital importance of individualism when he becomes infatuated with
“Chris”—a girl that he has never actually met before. Knox, like Neil,
recognizes the importance of individual intuition in guiding him through
life and helping him make decisions. Knox decides to risk his life by
standing up to Chet, Chris’s boyfriend, in a romantic attempt to win
Chris’ heart. His numerous attempts do prove to be somewhat effective;
Chris does goes to the play with Knox and even holds his hand. In a
sense, Knox has succeeded, he has triumphed, and he has prevailed over
the authority figure, Chet.
This event serves as a reminder that
authority should always act as a guide—never as an absolute power, as
in Neil’s unfortunate situation. The only place where one can find out
his true identity—their true character—is within himself.
Throughout
the movie, there are several situations in which characters acted
individually, deliberately disobeying conventional authority, in order
to follow their dreams. In some cases, such conflicts had positive
outcomes (transcendentalism); in other cases such outbursts of
individualism had deadly consequences for reckless individuals, like
Neil (existentialism). In either case, however, the process of
self-discovery and free thinking was inevitable; after being granted
freedom for the first time, both Neil and Knox were reluctant to
surrender their new independence without a fight. Neil and Knox’s
fearless nonconformity will forever demonstrate the importance and
necessity of self-discovery and individual growth to new generations of
teenagers to come.