Examples Of Transcendentalism In Dead Poets Society
Dead Poets Society: The Influence of Transcendental Thinking Transcendental thinking has an extremely empowering and influential effect upon whoever listens to its teachings. Transcendental thinkers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau greatly influence three main characters from Dead Poets Society. The movie Dead Poets Society reveals the influence of transcendental thinking on the lives of Todd Anderson, Charlie Dalton and Neil Perry through the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and other Romantics.
Todd Anderson is a reserved, timid boy who, at first, shies away from Mr. Keating's teachings. Emerson's quote "We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents" is fitting, because Todd …show more content…
He is heavily influenced by Transcendental thinking and the Latin phrase "Carpe diem" (seize the day). Charlie transforms from a bored, nonchalant boy to a non-conforming, optimistic and daring person who renames himself Newanda. His spontaneity causes him to unexpectedly bring two girls to a Society meeting and declare that he has slipped in an article on behalf of the Dead Poets Society in the school newspaper demanding that girls be accepted into Welton Academy. He also becomes terribly spontaneous and daring and does not rationally consider the consequences of "seizing the day" and pulling the stunt of God calling and telling the headmaster that girls should be allowed to attend Welton. At this point, the quote "Speak what you think now in hard words and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, even though it contradict everything you said today" from Emerson is a powerful echo of what Charlie has done: expressed his opinions for what he strongly believed in and stood up for
Todd Anderson is a reserved, timid boy who, at first, shies away from Mr. Keating's teachings. Emerson's quote "We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents" is fitting, because Todd …show more content…
He is heavily influenced by Transcendental thinking and the Latin phrase "Carpe diem" (seize the day). Charlie transforms from a bored, nonchalant boy to a non-conforming, optimistic and daring person who renames himself Newanda. His spontaneity causes him to unexpectedly bring two girls to a Society meeting and declare that he has slipped in an article on behalf of the Dead Poets Society in the school newspaper demanding that girls be accepted into Welton Academy. He also becomes terribly spontaneous and daring and does not rationally consider the consequences of "seizing the day" and pulling the stunt of God calling and telling the headmaster that girls should be allowed to attend Welton. At this point, the quote "Speak what you think now in hard words and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, even though it contradict everything you said today" from Emerson is a powerful echo of what Charlie has done: expressed his opinions for what he strongly believed in and stood up for