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The untimely death of Neil Perry in the film Dead Poets Society unravels a complex tapestry of influences, with the enigmatic English teacher Mr. Keating playing a pivotal role in the unfolding tragedy. Keating, an advocate of Romantic ideals, clashed with the traditional teachings of Welton Academy, setting the Dead Poet Society (DPS) members against the school and authority figures, especially Neil's father.
Keating's Influence on Neil:
Keating's charismatic encouragement of his students to 'seize the day' and embrace life's opportunities was a double-edged sword for Neil.
While it ignited Neil's passion for acting, it collided with the strict rules set by his father and the school. Keating, as a former student and teacher at Welton, should have been aware of the societal pressures on students. Neil's friends, reflecting the pervasive atmosphere, questioned the authority imposed on them, highlighting the broader issue faced by students at Welton.
Keating's idealism led Neil to believe that openly expressing his desires to his father would resolve everything.
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The clash between Neil's aspirations and the school's objectives became inevitable. Keating failed to recognize the nuanced realities of the students' lives and the consequences of his romanticized teachings.
Neil's friends, reflecting the pervasive atmosphere, questioned the authority imposed on them, highlighting the broader issue faced by students at Welton. Keating's idealism led Neil to believe that openly expressing his desires to his father would resolve everything. The clash between Neil's aspirations and the school's objectives became inevitable. Keating failed to recognize the nuanced realities of the students' lives and the consequences of his romanticized teachings.
The Unintended Consequences of Freethinking:
Mr. Keating's advocacy for freethinking and individuality sowed seeds of rebellion among DPS members. However, this freethinking inevitably clashed with authority figures, resulting in conflicts throughout the film. Neil's pursuit of acting, fueled by Keating's encouragement, intensified the tensions with his father, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.
Questioning and undermining authority, as propagated by Keating, inevitably lead to clashes, as evidenced by various instances in the film. Charlie's rebellion against the principal, the confrontation with another teacher, and, most significantly, Neil's conflicts with his father all stemmed from Keating's teachings. The lack of caution in Keating's approach contributed to the catastrophic consequences faced by Neil and the other DPS members.
Keating's teachings led to conflict in all the DPS members' lives, as it would have been difficult, if not impossible for students, and even teachers like Keating to hold romantic and existential views without attracting attention and clashing with authority. These clashes are shown regularly throughout the film; Charlie's phone call from god led to a clash between the principal and himself, another teacher observing Keating's students tearing out pages from textbooks led to tensions between the staff, and, most importantly Neil's clashes with his father.
Contributing Factors Beyond Keating:
While Keating played a crucial role, other contributors to Neil's death cannot be overlooked. Neil's overbearing father, who dictated every aspect of his son's life, significantly restricted Neil's autonomy. The pressure to conform to a predetermined path, exemplified by Neil's father's strict plans for him, exacerbated Neil's sense of entrapment.
Peer pressure within the DPS also played a role, as Neil's friends inadvertently influenced his decisions. The sense of camaraderie and support within the group heightened Neil's determination to defy authority and pursue acting, despite the inevitable consequences.
Neil's overbearing father was definitely a factor, as he had Neil's whole life planned out for him and he didn't leave any room for compromise or the fact that Neil might not want to be a doctor. After the play when the father brought Neil home he tightened the leash even more:
" We're trying very hard to understand why it is that you insist on defying us.
Whatever the reason, we're not gonna let you ruin your life.
Tomorrow I'm withdrawing you from Welton and enrolling you in Braden Military School.
You're going to Harvard and you're gonna be a doctor."
Neil now felt even more trapped and knew he would never be able to do what he wanted with his life, he was going to be separated from his friends and would 'waste' the next ten years at military school. He saw the only way out as suicide. Peer pressure also played a role in Neil's death, as if it weren't for his friends he would not have been part of the Dead Poets Society and although he would still have been under Keating's influence he would not have had as much support from his friends to defy his father and pursue acting.
Keating's Romanticism: A Misfit in Welton:
Keating's Romantic ideals, while noble, proved incompatible with the conservative environment of Welton Academy. In advocating free thinking and individuality without emphasizing caution, Keating unwittingly contributed to Neil's demise and Charlie's expulsion. While Keating's teachings may have thrived in a different era or school, Welton's rigid structure was not conducive to such a rebellious approach.
The Complexity of Blame:
The tragedy of Neil Perry's death in Dead Poets Society is a complex interplay of factors. Mr. Keating's well-intentioned yet imprudent teachings, Neil's overbearing father, and the influence of peer pressure all contributed to the untimely demise. In the intricate tapestry of events, it is clear that while Keating may have been a catalyst, the responsibility is shared among various elements in Neil's life. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance needed between individual expression and navigating societal expectations.
Tragedy Unveiled: The Multifaceted Forces Behind Neil Perry's Demise. (2016, Jun 23). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/who-is-to-blame-for-neils-death-essay
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