Dead Poets Society Transcendentalism Essay

Using what you’ve learned about Emerson and Thoreau’s beliefs, construct a thoughtful, articulate response to one of the following prompts:

Choices:

A. Were Neil’s actions consistent with the tenets of transcendentalism: intuition, optimism, simplicity, individualism, civil disobedience, and Over Soul? Choose a maximum of 3 tenets to discuss. Be sure to consider what Neil understood and misunderstood about Transcendentalism and what, if anything is to be learned from Neil’s death. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

B. Discuss the development of Todd Anderson’s character throughout the film and include an explanation of the most significant moments for Todd. Be sure to show why Todd was able to stand on his desk at the end of the film and call Mr. Keating his “captain.” What tenets of Transcendentalism have influenced him?

C. In what ways is Mr. Keating a Transcendentalist, keeping in mind the foundational six elements of transcendentalism and the beliefs of Emerson and Thoreau. Explain Mr. Keating’s philosophy of teaching by giving specific examples of the kinds of things he says and does to show who he is.

Requirements:  Respond to one of the prompts  Write a minimum of five paragraphs, three pages  Integrate 1 quote from the movie (look online) AND a total of three (3) quoted passages from 3 different texts o the film, Dead Poets Society AND o (240) from Nature, and/or o (245) from Self-Reliance, and/or o (269) from Civil Disobedience, and/or o (254) from Walden

Again, integrate a total of four (4) quoted passages from the film and at least three of our readings.

Assessment:  Typed essay due at the start of class______/ 100