![]() ![]() The aforementioned Walt Whitman reference to Todd is to be taken into consideration as well. When Todd performed the improvised poem for the class, it had cut to Neil, looking positively enamored at Todd. Even more, Neil is very frequently seen looking at Todd in a way that friends don’t typically do. Neil had developed the habit of being in Todd’s space quickly, and Todd got rather comfortable with Neil by the time the play auditions rolled around. Did it help that they were roommates? Certainly, but there is quite a bit more to it than that. Although Todd is new to the school and riddled with anxiety, he ends up quite close to Neil. Most frequently discussed, is the case of Neil and Todd. The symbolism and references are not the only evidence of this being a queer movie. The thing with queer people indulging in these interests are both fine points in the queer identity and culture, as well as stereotypes against queer people in that aspect. In the cave, Charlie Dalton recites a line from Shakespeare’s ‘Sonnet 18,’ famously written about a feminine man, recognizable from the line: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” That sonnet created much skepticism over Shakespeare’s sexuality and some consider him to have been queer. During the audience’s first introduction to English teacher John Keating, he is whistling the tune of ‘1812 Overture,’ composed by notoriously homosexual composer Tchaikovsky. That is not where the references to queer culture stops. Out of all the poems to choose, why go with the poem written by a hypothesized gay man about a president who also may have been gay? To add to this, during the scene in which Todd chases Neil around while the latter reads his poetry, Neil has the gall to say “I’m being chased by Walt Whitman.” As if that scene wasn’t already one of their more emotionally charged moments that lead to this essay’s creation. One of his more well-known poems, “Oh Captain, My Captain” is referenced various times. Walt Whitman specifically is mentioned many times in this film. Infamous queer poets like Sappho, Emily Dickinson, Oscar Wilde, and Walt Whitman have been influential in their works since the sixth century. With harmful intentions or not, poetry is still a staple of queer culture. The group had taken a keen interest in poetry, as well being long associated with femininity or homosexuality, by reasons of toxic masculinity. A deep passion for theatre is connected with homosexuals and has roots in queer culture since at least the early 20th century, from the author’s knowledge. Even though the herd may go ‘that’s bad.’” - Keatingĭeviating from tradition not only takes form in the Dead Poets Society being revived, but in the confrontation of supposed gender roles. ![]() “We all have a great need for acceptance, but you must trust that your beliefs are your own, unique, even though others may think them odd or unpopular. The Dead Poets Society was all about defiance from societal norms and living authentically, in other words not having to hide. ‘Tradition,’ or heteronormativity, against the ‘nonconventional’ is instead celebrated. ![]() It’s almost like queer people have been challenging tradition for centuries. Keating made a point to challenge tradition, which, considering the patriarchal, conservative setting, was quite risky. This essay has no intention to change any thoughts on the matter, more like reading into the content and considering what the general opinion is.Īnyone who has seen the movie or even read a brief summary should be aware of the major theme of the story tradition versus nonconformity. Debate has been made over the reality of these theories, and it’s pretty believable. Furthermore, there are theories that not only were the main characters lovers, but major plotlines and themes possess metaphors of queerness. Fans of the film have long believed that the central characters, Todd and Neil, were in love. Since its release in 1989, it has gained a strong following over the years, and even more speculation. ![]() tw/cw for mentions of Neil’s death, homophobia, reclaiming queerĭead Poets Society a beloved, slightly problematic staple of dark academic films. ![]()
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