Stevie Stigall and Sylvia Freire | Staff Writers and Editor
July 19, 2023
On July 15, scholars chose between two fantastic films Dead Poets Society and Little Women. Both films show different time frames with academic backgrounds but our hearts gathered straight to the classic Dead Poets Society. Scholars raced towards Franklin Lobby waiting to walk off perimeter towards the designated movie locations. The walk may have been fairly long but the anticipation and movie made it worth everything in store.
The film follows an English teacher, John Keating, and his class as they discover themselves through this coming of age. Through tradition from the all-boys preparatory, the boys face enormous stresses that they overcome by ‘seizing the day’. Many of the students such as Neil Perry, Todd Anderson, and more learn to break out from the cookie cutters and coming out through their aspirations. They find a family within each other as they express themselves reciting and reading poetry in a cave reserved for the secret club, Dead Poets Society.
Just about every scene in Dead Poets Society will have you either smiling or crying. The scene that we enjoyed the most was when we saw the origin of Nuwanda. During one of the Dead Poets meeting, Charlie Dalton aka Nuwanda, recites an original poem along with a composition from his saxophone. After he recites his poem he tells the rest of the club to call him Nuwanda. He uses the poem and name as a symbol of turning a new leaf to a better person. We love this scene because it shows character growth from one of the main characters and its paired with a hypnotizing saxophone solo and relatable poetry.
Our Horseshoe Award goes to Neil Perry. He is an attendee of Welton Academy and Todd Anderson’s roommate. Neil is a lovable character who is seen as a leader and positive force by Welton Academy, especially the Dead Poets. He was an aspiring actor however he struggled with pursuing his dreams because of his stubborn and strict father. His story is relatable for many people who may experience an environment that doesn’t leave much room to be themselves. Neil was a powerful force behind the Dead Poets Society and their brotherhood which is why we think he deserves the award.
It’s hard to find the best quote in a movie filled with poetry but we landed on Mr. Keating saying “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.” This quote notably leaves a mark with the boys but with the audience as it holds meaning for many who are and aren’t passionate about poetry. It proves that you can add anything you learn from any subject. The perspectives you gain from other areas will only ever improve all aspects of yourself.
We give Dead Poets Society 5/5 shoes up.
