Author: Lena Sins
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
These famous lines come from the well-known film Dead Poets Society, in which English teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams, teaches his students to challenge conformity, question authority, find their own voices and appreciate the passion and beauty of poetry.
In the film, a group of teenage boys are initially unconvinced by him, but gradually they begin to understand literature and poetry more deeply, eventually meeting in secret to recite their own poems. The main character, Neil Perry, played by Robert Sean Leonard, is particularly inspired and wants to act in the school’s theatre – something his father strictly forbids. He wants his son to study medicine and views acting as a shameful distraction, calling it “disobedience” and “acting business.”
The film ends with the tragic suicide of Neil Perry, who would rather die than pursue a career he does not wish for. His personal development is actively repressed by his father because he is not the “man” his father expects him to be. When Neil decides to act in a play, it is the first time he truly asserts himself and tries to be who he wants to be, rather than who he is expected to be.
The film not only shows the importance of friendship and solidarity – particularly reinforced through poetry – but also the importance of love and how essential it is to remain true to oneself. It emphasises that Mr. Keating believes in his students and wants them to find their true passion. However, it also presents the sad truth of what happens when a parent does not believe in their child’s dreams and instead tries to force them to live a life they do not want for themselves.
Dead Poets Society portrays how a young man begins to find his way and longs to be free – free from his parents’ expectations, free from outside influences. Yet one may wonder whether he is truly free in the end: finally free, but dead.
The film also teaches us to seize the day. “Carpe Diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” – John Keating. Seizing the day means taking full advantage of present opportunities, encouraging someone to make the most of their time and not worry too much about the future. It means embracing what the world offers and enjoying life – but that does not mean overextending yourself or acting without limits. In John Keating’s words: “Sucking the marrow out of life doesn’t mean choking on the bone.”
Consequences may come your way whenever you cross boundaries. This is shown in Neil Perry’s story when he decides to act in a play, despite his father’s strong opposition. Neil simply wants to be free – to make his own decisions about his future and his life. Nevertheless, on the day of the play, he is ridiculed by his father for wanting to be an actor; he is shut down for pursuing what he loves.
As already mentioned in the quote, we need poetry, novels, and love in our lives. Life does not always have to be measured by money and power, but rather by love and friendship. It is not only about getting through life faster and better – it is about truly living. Do things that make you feel good and alive. Do not ignore your passion – pursue it. Try poetry. Like the boys in Dead Poets Society, very few people regularly come into contact with poetry and literature.
Poetry can be there for all stages, moods and experiences in life. It accompanies us, meets us where we are and leads us to the next steps. Poetry asks us to pay attention to language: it demands that we listen and become aware of how we take meaning into our souls. Similarly, poetry’s shorter lines and the pauses built into line breaks slow us down. Poetry asks us not to rush ahead, but to stay with the experience of reading. It invites presence. It is an act of slowing down and paying attention.
Edited by: Richard Mayer & Maya Schuster
Cover Image by: Vicky Ruiz auf Pixabay
