Topic > Romantic and Traditional Mindset in the Dead Poets Society

The film Dead Poets Society represents the impact of the romantic and traditional mindset. Mr. McAllister is an advocate of the traditional, delineated life path, while Mr. Keating openly embraces the romantic philosophy of carpe diem. Which way of thinking is best? Both have advantages, but both have flaws, especially when taken to extremes. The most careful and polite approach in making life choices brings the best out of the romantic attitude. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In Dead Poets Society, acting enthusiast Neil Perry runs into a dilemma that could potentially ruin his quest to become an actor. His father has already set Neil's future occupation as a doctor, causing a tremendous amount of stress between making his father and himself happy. Neil seeks help from Mr. Keating, trying to figure out what is the best thing to do, Mr. Keating said, "Stay true to yourself." Keating believes that if Neil continues to follow his father's example, Neil will be unhappy and end up confused. So, he wants Neil to be honest and open up about his feelings. Mr. Keating knows that Neil will forget about it temporarily and make his father happy, instead of figuring things out in the long run. A significant benefit of the romantic mindset is that there is a greater opportunity to find meaning and fulfillment in life. Neil Perry, as stated before, is someone for whom acting is more than just a hobby. Neil has always wanted to sign up for a play and, with the opportunity at Henley Hall, he takes it. When Neil confesses his plan to secretly hook up with a forged note to Todd Aderson, his roommate, Todd wonders if he really wants to go through with it. Neil states that: “For the first time in my entire life, I know what I want to do! And for the first time, I will! Whether my father wants it or not! Carpe Diem!''. Acting has been a dream of his for as long as he could remember. Neil discovers that the true meaning of life is acting, despite his father's disapproval, he realizes that this play is the beginning of what he truly wants to do in life. Another important reason to follow the mindset of a romantic when young is that an individual is less likely to make costly and time-consuming mistakes. When Knox Overstreet started having feelings for Chris, all he did was think about her. After meeting the other dead poets, Knox realizes that he has been "calm" his whole life and wants to do something about it. He is determined to ask Chris out even though he knows she has a boyfriend. Knox takes the leap and calls her after telling his friends, “carpe diem….even if it kills me.” So despite taking a risk that could potentially ruin her relationship with Chris, Knox knows that if he doesn't call her, he'll just waste his time fantasizing about her and never know if he'll have a chance. Keep in mind: This is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The film Dead Poets Society, portrays a clash between romantics and traditionalists between multiple characters over the course of the film. While there are countless scenes where a traditionalist mindset has its advantages, a romantic mindset is the only way a high schooler can live out all of their youthful years before entering adulthood. Romantics believe in taking risks to achieve the happiness an individual desires. Someone who has followed the romantic mindset is the famous YouTuber and influencer Colby Brock. In high school, he was bullied for taking up his.