Dead Poets Society is a novel written by Nancy H. Kleinbaum, that is based on the 1989 film. It focuses on identity and the struggle for self-expression. The story is set in an elite boys’ prep school and shows the life of John Keating, who is a teacher that always encourages his students to “seize the day” and embrace their own passions.
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
Through his unusual teaching methods, the boys begin to question the structures of their lives, and the pressure from their families and school. The novel shows the emotional and mental journeys of the students. Specifically Neil, who desires for freedom and self-expression while his dad believes in strict parenting. Dead Poets Society shows the consequences of going against social expectations but also represents how education can show the importance of being true to yourself.