Examining Personal Freedom and Society Restriction in Peter Weir’s Dead Poets Society

Abstract

Personal freedom is fundamental human rights allowing individuals to make decisions. However, it is undeniable that in society there are society restrictions that prevent people from exercising their personal freedom. The issue between personal freedom and society restrictions is discussed in the film Dead Poets Society directed by Peter Weir. Dead Poets Society tells the story of the students who live in a restrictive preparatory school, named Welton Academy. In their school, the students experience restrictions because they cannot do what they desire to do, that is why they want to break free from it. In the film the characters, like Neil, Todd, and Mr. Keating, want to exercise their personal freedom. However, their social environment, such as school, parents, and teachers, prevents them from doing so. From the analysis, I can conclude that the director has successfully highlighted a message that society restrictions and personal freedom must coexist to create balance.