Traditionally, education has been thought to be a source of knowledge, which can only help in increasing the amount of information for people. However, “Dead Poets Society” proposes a different perspective regarding education, which includes emotional connectivity, exploring knowledge in a different way, and engagement with fellow members. Moreover, in this regard, Mr. Keating played a significant role by engaging youth through a unique teaching style, encouraging them to think outside the box, and developing self-trust in his students.
In our society, there used to be a misconception about education that it only provides information. For instance, in any educational institute, students get through their exams by only showing the amount of relevant information in their answer sheets rather than checking their cognitive and intellectual capabilities. However, the concept of “Dead Poets Society” illustrated a different perspective such a building an emotional connection with people, to express their thoughts in an appealing manner, and communicate their ideas with friends in a group. For instance, people are driven by their emotions, they react according to what they receive from their surrounding environment such as listening to a sad song can actually make them feel sad.
In addition to this, individuals have to take responsibility for their purpose in life because traditionally, parents and societies have shown taking the authority to shape youth according to their ambitions. For instance, many youngsters end up obeying their parents to become a doctor even if they wanted to be an engineer themselves. Furthermore, the “Dead Poets Society” encouraged individuals to share their thoughts and ideas with each other in a productive way such as telling their original poetries in a cave to each other.
Moreover, Mr. Keating significantly contributed to enhance student’s thinking horizons because in the past, they were used to learn from traditional teaching methodologies. He introduced unique ways such as teaching students while playing football, and standing on top of a table in during a lecture, in order to encourage youth to escape from the imaginary boundaries set by the society. For instance, wearing a cultural dress in some other part of the world and locals start staring with a strange look on their face. Additionally, he taught his students to think rationally and uniquely leaving behind the older perception where everyone followed the same manner to learn and achieve. For example, if we had not went into space, we would have never found that the earth was actually round in shape. Furthermore, his teachings also included that everyone is special in their own way, as previously they majorly relied on different authorities such as teachers, parents, and Welton Academy’s curriculum.
In conclusion, “Dead Poets Society” played an outstanding role shaping and influencing Welton Academy’s students in a positive way. Specifically, teaching them to believe and follow their own thoughts instead of others. In my opinion, both the society and Mr. Keating influenced youngsters to know their self-worth and faith on themselves.