Dead Poets Society Relationships Essay
Due to their complex nature, human relationships present many challenges thus making them integral in the shaping of an individual’s experiences.
These complexities are often caused by the power dynamic, where one parties assumes dominance over the other. Peter Weir’s 1989 film, Dead Poets Society explores the overpowering relationship between Neil and his father where Neil’s true self is stifled in his role as the compliant son. Similarly in Roger Dean Kiser’s short story Elvis Died at Florida Barber College (referred to as Elvis), the oppressive relationship between the orphan and his matron negatively affects his experiences, resulting in a suppression of individuality. Complexities also arise from the lack of power in relationships as shown through Neil and Mr Keating where the authoritative figure of the mentor is undermined by his student. However, this is not always the case as in 48 Shades of Brown by Nick Earl where a relationship between Dan and his Aunt allows for the discovery of independence and development of self.
The complexity of power dynamics within relationships may suppress an individual’s identity in order to conform to the expectations of the other. In Dead Poets society, the relationship that Neil has with his father is atypical of a father-son relationship in the fact that the authority lies with the father. However, what differentiates this relationship from other father-son relationships is the extreme power dynamic between the two where Neil’s father is overly controlling to the point where he dictates his son’s life. The nature of the relationship is portrayed the beginning of the film when Neil’s father pins him up against a wall upon discovering Neil had chosen to undertake additional extracurricular activities. This action, accompanied with a high angle short of Neil’s father, communicates his extreme dominance in their relationship. Neil’s overt passion for performance is suppressed as he is subdued by the expectations of his
These complexities are often caused by the power dynamic, where one parties assumes dominance over the other. Peter Weir’s 1989 film, Dead Poets Society explores the overpowering relationship between Neil and his father where Neil’s true self is stifled in his role as the compliant son. Similarly in Roger Dean Kiser’s short story Elvis Died at Florida Barber College (referred to as Elvis), the oppressive relationship between the orphan and his matron negatively affects his experiences, resulting in a suppression of individuality. Complexities also arise from the lack of power in relationships as shown through Neil and Mr Keating where the authoritative figure of the mentor is undermined by his student. However, this is not always the case as in 48 Shades of Brown by Nick Earl where a relationship between Dan and his Aunt allows for the discovery of independence and development of self.
The complexity of power dynamics within relationships may suppress an individual’s identity in order to conform to the expectations of the other. In Dead Poets society, the relationship that Neil has with his father is atypical of a father-son relationship in the fact that the authority lies with the father. However, what differentiates this relationship from other father-son relationships is the extreme power dynamic between the two where Neil’s father is overly controlling to the point where he dictates his son’s life. The nature of the relationship is portrayed the beginning of the film when Neil’s father pins him up against a wall upon discovering Neil had chosen to undertake additional extracurricular activities. This action, accompanied with a high angle short of Neil’s father, communicates his extreme dominance in their relationship. Neil’s overt passion for performance is suppressed as he is subdued by the expectations of his