Dead Poets Society and Middlesex: What makes your life worth living?

Roles that beauty, romance, and passion play in our lives

At some point in your life, you are going to ask yourself: what makes your life worth living? The truth is that this question is often left unanswered. Humans simultaneously create their own meaning in life that is often contradictory. In the 1989 film Dead Poets Society, however, Peter Weir's answer to this perplexing question comes down to finding beauty in yourself.

Immediately, we associate the word “beauty” with surface-level features. John Keating, a new English instructor at Welton Academy portrayed by Robin Williams, revolts against this superficial ethos. 

Welton, a prestigious all-boys boarding school, is upheld by the school's four pillars: tradition, honor, discipline, and excellence. Amidst pedagogical rigidity, Mr. Keating’s first class begins with ripping out the introduction to their poetry textbook that explains logical and scientific means of evaluating poetry. He then offers a lesson to reject strict conformity and embrace the unique beauty that lies hidden. 

As Keating stands tall in front of the students, he declares, “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.” He encourages students to find permanent beauty within themselves, elements that “we stay alive for.” Contrasted with the repetitive, boring, and stern persona of the Headmaster, Mr. Keating steps up to cut the leash that restricts students’ self-discovery. 

In response to Keating’s revolutionary instruction, students begin to seek beauty in their own lives. Charlie, a Welton student, realizes that he finds beauty in his ability to make his friends laugh. Knox abandons his fear of rejection and pursues romance. The film captures young love as Knox proudly reads his final poem full of honest words and passion to his romantic interest, Chris Noel. Todd overcomes the expectations set by his older brother and ultimately finds his true self. 

Far beyond our responsibility to ourselves to find meaning in life, we also have a duty to ensure that others find it too. This encompasses members of your family, best friends, and even strangers walking past the hallway. Indeed, true beauty is ubiquitous. Try out for the varsity team. Audition for the spring musical. Play your favorite song in the winter recital. Proudly raise your hand in class discussion. Start a conversation at the dining hall table. Appreciate the sunset behind the Chapel. 

Don’t be afraid of your voice, “even though others may find them odd or unpopular,” as Keating notes. Because beauty comes from our capability to mature into something greater, the film teaches us to grow as a leader.

Dead Poets Society exhorts us to find beauty in life, to pursue romance, and to bring happiness around us all. As Keating reminds his students, “Carpe Diem, Seize the day. Make your lives extraordinary.”

Matthew Yoon ‘27