Dead Poets Society - Central Theme

Throughout the movie, I think the main theme is the influence of role models. Role models are people who have one of the largest impacts on students and that's exactly what Mr. Keating was to the boys. Towards the beginning of Dead Poets Society, the boys questioned Mr. Keating's teaching habits but as the movie progressed, they started to understand him more and appreciate his methods. Many of the boys were unwilling to step out of their comfort zones until they met Mr. Keating and had him as their teacher. This is because although they did not want to stray from their ways, they soon learned that Mr. Keating was trying to help them become who they wanted to be, not what they were expected to be. One of the main parts of Dead Poets Society where the influence of role models is made obvious is when Neil Perry tells his father about his desire to become an actor. Before Neil knew Mr. Keating, he didn't have the courage to stand up to his father and even though his father may have disapproved, Neil still told him how he felt. Therefore, without the influence of Mr. Keating as Neil's role model, Neil may not have ever told his father.