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A Lasting Impression “Dead Poet’s Society,” is a story about the influence, a teacher can have on his students. Robin Williams plays Mr. Keating, a new English professor at Waltman Prep School. Mr. Keating challenges his class to look at things in new ways, even if they might be considered silly or wrong. He pushes his students to consider not just what the author is thinking, but also what they are thinking, and to find their own voice. Mr. Keating teaches a group of boys to trust themselves, to walk to their own beat, and to swim against the stream, because he feels that these crucial life lessons have been omitted from the education of the students at Waltman. The previous professors before Mr. Keating had decided it was in the better to teach discipline rather then independent thinking. The film, “Dead Poet’s Society,” illustrates the importance of taking the initiative, being empathetic, and having a positive self-concept. These skills become essential as the boys that are attending Waltman finally discover their limitless potential and their true passions. On the first day of class, Mr. Keating takes his class into the hallway to look at pictures of students from the past. Mr. Keating tells his students not just to glance at the pictures, but to really focus in and look at them. He wanted his class to see the work ethic, new ideas, new discoveries, and new boundaries that the men before them had pushed. Mr. Keating then tells the boys to listen to what the men in the pictures are telling them. From within the group Mr. Keating begins to softly whisper, “carpe diem,” slowly growing louder and louder as he continues. What carpe diem means to Mr. Keating goes beyond the direct translation of, “seize the day.” It represents that people could and more importantly should, strive to lead extraordinary lives. Seizing the day was Mr. Keating’s way to express taking initiative. By listening to yourself, getting involved, grabbing opportunities, following your dreams and making decisions for yourself, an individual can enrich their lives and achieve a sense of fulfillment. In interpersonal communication, taking the initiative is essential. Communication is something that happens between two or more people, and although its beginning and ending can be nebulous, someone has to take the first steps and begin the contact.
Approximate Word count = 1552
Approximate Pages = 6.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
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