The movie Dead Poets Society explores the concept of individualism in great depth.

The numerous conflicts

that the characters face throughout the movie demonstrate the fundamental principles of existentialism and
transcendentalism. Neil Perrys suicide, for instance, illustrates the disturbing existential consequences that can
transpire when an individuals authority is allowed to prevail against tradition. On the other hand, however, the
triumph of the individual spirit may sometimes have a positive outcomeas in the case of Knox Overstreet, an
example of transcendentalism. When Knox becomes obsessed with a certain girl named Chriswithout
actually meeting herhe ends up risking his life to win her heart. In both cases, characters assume individual
authority for their choices and stop obeying traditional authority figures; they embark on a trip of self-discovery
and individual growth that will have a lasting impact on their futures.
One obvious example of existentialism is Neil Perrys unfortunate suicide. When Neil Perry decides to pursue a
career in the performing arts, rather than in medicine, his father, Mr. Perry, is furious. Unmoved by Neils
extraordinary performance in the play A Midsummer Nights Dream, Mr. Perry continues to insist on
controlling his sons life and dictating his every move. But Mr. Perrys efforts were in vain; Neil had already
experienced freedoma privilege not easily relinquished. Neil eventually stands up to his father, but is unable
to communicate his opinions to the increasing tyrannical traditionalist figure that his father has become. Rather
than continuing to live a dreary half-life, Neil decides that the only way to gain control is by taking his own life.
Though he lost everything in the process, suicide was the only way for Neil to stand up to his father and live life
to the fullest (ala Carpe Diem). Through the act of suicide, Neil is taking control of his life decisionsand
must, as a result, accept the consequences. Neils clearly existential actions were a necessary step in his process
of self-discovery and individual growth.
On the complete other side of the spectrum is Knox Overstreet, the poster child of transcendentalismand
romanticism, in general. Knox recognizes the vital importance of individualism when he becomes infatuated
with Chrisa girl that he has never actually met before. Knox, like Neil, recognizes the importance of
individual intuition in guiding him through life and helping him make decisions. Knox decides to risk his life by
standing up to Chet, Chriss boyfriend, in a romantic attempt to win Chris heart. His numerous attempts do
prove to be somewhat effective; Chris does goes to the play with Knox and even holds his hand. In a sense,
Knox has succeeded, he has triumphed, and he has prevailed over the authority figure, Chet.
This event serves as a reminder that authority should always act as a guidenever as an absolute power, as in
Neils unfortunate situation. The only place where one can find out his true identitytheir true characteris
within himself.
Throughout the movie, there are several situations in which characters acted individually, deliberately
disobeying conventional authority, in order to follow their dreams. In some cases, such conflicts had positive
outcomes (transcendentalism); in other cases such outbursts of individualism had deadly consequences for
reckless individuals, like Neil (existentialism). In either case, however, the process of self-discovery and free
thinking was inevitable; after being granted freedom for the first time, both Neil and Knox were reluctant to
surrender their new independence without a fight. Neil and Knoxs fearless nonconformity will forever
demonstrate the importance and necessity of self-discovery and individual growth to new generations of
teenagers to come.