AJ Ahenjita

After watching this masterpiece, Dead poets society (1989) by Peter Weir, the first thing that comes into my mind is – “O captain, my captain” …. The film is about the story of an extraordinary teacher, Mr. John Keating, who teaches his students in a complete different way that makes the boys dedicated to his class and appreciate the beauty of life, Poetry. In the very first class, Mr. Keating tells his students to think for themselves and also makes them express their emotion, fears and insecurities. Keating says “Carpe Diem” – a latin phrase which means ‘seize the day’. The students started thinking about themselves in such a profound way, that they believe their life will be better and different. In this film, we see how methods of education can be different from what is taught in textbooks. Mr. Keating also tells his students to rip out the pages by explaining the lines – “We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human races and human race is filled with passion”. By saying so, he tries to express to his young gentlemen about his romanticism for life. By standing upon the desk Professor Keating explains that we must constantly look at things in a different various ways. Coming to the powerful character, Todd Anderson who's shy and afraid of speaking in front of the other students, recites a poem about a madman with the help of Keating’s unique technique, leaves everyone astonished. And the great tragedy comes when Neil Perry, the strongest character, commits suicide. I think many if us can relate with Neil’s story. Instead of becoming a doctor, he wanted to pursue a career in acting. But his father’s strict plans for his future leaves no choices for him than killing himself. There are many times we try to speak to our elders about following our passion but nothing makes them to realise that how important it is to follow our passion. There are people who will still blame Mr. keating for Neil’s death. In the end, we also get to see that Mr. keating is fired because his philosophy was different from the other teachers which changed the lives of many of the kids. Dean Nolan made the students sign a paper that would fire him. The students stand on the desk at the end and saying “O captain.. My Captain” I cried. Such an inspirational movie. I believe every teacher should be like Mr. Keating. I think it is always the society which never allows anyone to think differently and to live extraordinarily. Perspective is the key of life and everybody's way of seeing life is different. We must acknowledge that. We all need a teacher like Mr. Keating in our lives who can not only teach us life lessons but also can encourage us to give wings to our dreams and to live life unapologetically. This film has made me think beyond my capacity. This movie has a great impact on me especially the quotes by Mr. Keating – ** Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary. ** No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world ** You must strive to find your own voice because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are going to find it at all. ** we must constantly look at things in a different way. Sometimes we can't go back and change the beginning but we can start where we are and change the ending.