In the film Dead Poets Society, Neil Perry is a passionate and ambitious student who is deeply influenced by his English teacher, Mr. John Keating. Throughout the movie, Keating encourages his students to seize the day and follow their dreams, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
While Neil does embrace some of Mr. Keating’s advice, particularly the idea of pursuing his passion for acting, his journey ultimately leads to a tragic end. Neil’s decision to audition for the role of Puck in a school play is a direct reflection of Keating’s teachings. He initially experiences joy and fulfillment from this choice, embodying the spirit of ‘carpe diem’ that Keating advocates.
However, Neil’s subsequent actions reveal the complexity of his character and the struggles he faces. Despite taking the leap to pursue what he loves, he ultimately confronts immense pressure from his father, who insists on a more traditional path for him. This conflict between his desires and his father’s expectations culminates in a heartbreaking decision.
In essence, Neil does take Keating’s advice to some extent. He embraces the notion of pursuing his passions in the moment, but ultimately, he is unable to fully reconcile this with the harsh realities of his life. Thus, while he does respond to Mr. Keating’s philosophy, the tragic outcome suggests that the societal constraints he faces overpower the liberating spirit of Keating’s mentorship.