Seize the Day

  　　Seize the Day　
  Do you long for a free life? Do you hate to be constrained by others like groove teachers or parents?   In the Dead Poets Society, which was written by Nancy H. Kleinbaum, explores the conflict between realism and romanticism as these contrasting ideals are presented to the students at an all boys preparatory school. Welton Academy is founded on tradition and excellence and is bent on providing strict structured lessons prescribed by the realist, anti-youth administration. With the dawning of each new semester, hundreds of parents abandon their sons, leaving them in the tried hands of Welton staff in hopes that they will raise doctors and lawyers. When a replacement English teacher arrives, who happens to be a Welton alumnus, he brings with him a passion for teaching romanticism, thus opening a never-before-seen world to his students.
  　　　The story is predominantly viewed through the eyes of Todd Anderson, a newcomer to Welton, and his roommate Neil Perry . Todd is painfully shy and terrified that what he might say is insignificant and meaningless. This is particularly disturbing to him since he is repeatedly told that he has “big shoes to fill” being the younger brother of a former valedictorian. Neil, on the other hand, is bright and full of ambition, which is unfortunately squelched by his overbearing, controlling father. Mr. Perry dictates every detail of his son’s life including extra curricular activities, future plans, and specifically what others think of him.
  　　　The new English teacher John Keating begins his teachings with a fervent lecture on their imminent deaths, explaining to the students that their lives are fleeting so they should seize the day to make their lives count, to leave a legacy of “carpe diem.”
  　　　Carpe Diem, Latin for "seize the day," is a theme that is widely used throughout the book. "Suck out all the marrow of life" is a powerful quote that Mr. Keating uses. He uses this quote to encourage his students...