Conformity In Dead Poet's Society

454 Words2 Pages
Conformity is powerful but can also be lethal. It is the “tendency to align your attitude, beliefs, and behaviors with those around you” (Bench and Gehrig). Often, it is said that people will conform to a culture of social standards, economic standings, and when building family pride. John F. Kennedy once said that “conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth” ("Address by President John F. Kennedy to the UN General Assembly"). Biff Loman and Neil Perry both relate to this amazing quote. In “Death of a Salesman”, Author Miller depicts Biff as a lazy summer school dropout who inspires to work on a farm (Miller 1429). In contrast, in “Dead Poets Society”, Neil is portrayed as a successful student who receives straight A’s and…show more content…
Their standards consist of maintaining excellent grades in order to achieve a successful career as a doctor. His father is very stern and believes that his son is wasting time by parading around in extra activities. In “Dead Poets Society”, Neil makes an effort to accomplish one of his goals and that is to make a triumph performance on stage. He tries out for a part in a play at school but his dad commands him to discontinue his effort of the pursuit of his dreams. This comes at a time when Neil felt empowered by the feelings of carpe diem. Neil said “For the first time in my whole life, I know what I want to do! And for the first time, I’m gonna do it! Whether my father wants me to or not! Carpe Diem” (Dead Poets Society). At this point, Neil has no intention of making his father proud which is why he lied to Mr. Keating about his father saying he was able to partake in the play. Neil then decides to disobey his father because of Mr. Keating’s teachings of nonconformity and carpe diem. However, after Neil’s performance he is met with a standing ovation but is caught in the act by his father. His father ushered him out of the auditorium while maintaining a high level of madness. His father begins lecturing him on what his future “will” be and that is going to military school so he could focus of his
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