The meaning of life is questioned and answered in the film “Dead Poets Society”. John Keating relays the meaning of life to be self discovery, self confidence, and self determination. The importance to live and learn is brought through the film, the idea of not falling under suppression of conformity and obedience is a recurring idea in the film. According to Keating the meaning of life is a number of things but in particular they are, carpet demo (living in the moment and paying little thought to the future), and make your own destiny. Keating perfectly states this through his actions and sayings to seize the day. Lessons are taught and learned in and outside of the class room one lesson in particular guided a young boy to find his voice. “ You must strive to find your own voice because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are going to find it at all.” (John Keating, Dead Poets Society) This is a perfect example of how Todd, a character in the story, needs to make his mark on the world and find his voice. His brother aids him along in trying to socialize him along with trying to build his confidence in being able to talk freely and openly. Keating guides them through his readings, his message, this quote, gave Todd the confidence to be the first student to stand proudly on the desk in class and state ‘ow captain my captain’. This action however so small , radiates confidence and embodies self growth , Keating not only bought the meaning of life to Todd, but to all the other boys in one way or another. To Nuanda, Keating inspires him through the idea to “Seize the day boys. Make life extraordinary.” (Keating, Dead Poets Society) This embodies what he believes the meaning of life to be. Nuanda appears to be largely affected by this lesson as he takes on the task and expresses this lesson through his actions. Nuanda leaves the school tired of the everyday life and the repremandible conformity they were so heavily forced upon and started a new chapter in his life. Keating defines the meaning of life to self discovery, weather this be self confidence, self worth, self determination, his focus lays on self discovery and the importance of life.This in it’s entirety relays they meaning of life as the film expresses it. This is constantly proved over and over again in the film, not only by the characters and the lessons they learned but also through the way we change based on these reasons.

Done by Sage Stidworthy