The concept of conformity is so interesting to me! In the film, the Welton Academy is a symbol of religious conformity that is run legalistically in comparison to the strict authoritative rule of the Pharisees in Jesus’ time. The academy exemplifies conformity through similar ways that are used in oppressive religions. The academy’s strict rules are expressed through the motto of the school. The academy stands true to the slogan “Tradition, Honor, Discipline, Excellence” which is physically depicted by trophies and plaques of the student’s achievements throughout the entire academy. The students that break the rules of the academy are publicly shamed or expelled by the power of the faculty. It is obvious why these children are scared to fight against the law because the repercussions are intense (Taylor, 2014). Therefore, conformity is the safest way to avoid conflict.
Keating teaches a great lesson in the courtyard when he asks three students to walk in a line. When their steps matchup the other students watching begin clapping. Conformity is natural which is displayed in the student’s actions. When Mr. Keating stops the students, he says, “conformity, the difficulty in maintaining your own beliefs in the face of others.” It is natural for humans to conform to law because we have a great need for acceptance but you must believe your thoughts are unique (Hansen, 2014). The natural feeling is subconsciously ingrained in the students every day while attending the academy. However, going against society's expectations is unnatural. In comparison to Jesus Christ, it was much easier to follow him when people began witnessing his miracles and conformed to his beliefs. However, after His crucifixion, many of Jesus’ followers became fearful of the authority, who felt like they were losing power over the people who followed Jesus. The crucifixion solidified the power of the Pharisees. Similarly, the faculty at the academy use their power over Mr. Keating to fire him which solidifies their control over Mr. Keating and the students that supported his teachings.
When the faculty saw that Mr. Keating’s teaching style was unconventional and opened the student’s minds to interests they wanted to pursue, such as Neil and his passion for acting. This transformation caused several of the students to rebel against the rules of the academy and their parents. The rebellions became a threat to the faculty at the academy and one wrong move by Mr. Keating would give them a reason to fire him. Mr. Keating’s style was threatening to the higher power in the academy which parallels with Jesus’ teachings and presents. The Jewish religious leaders were very threatened by Jesus. From the very beginning when Jesus was born he was referred to as the “King of the Jews” (Deffinbaugh, 2004). Later in Gospel of John, it is revealed how fearful the Jerusalemites were, it states:
“47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees called the council together and said, “What are
we doing? For this man is performing many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go
on in this way, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away
our sanctuary and our nation’” (John 11:47-48).
As Mr. Keating is collecting his belongings, after being fired, one of the leaders in the Dead Poet Society, Todd, stands on his desk stating “oh captain, my captain” which honors Mr. Keating’s teaching. A few more of the students followed Todd’s courageous actions by standing on their desks. This scene displays that Mr. Keating did impact the students because of his teachings the students who stood on their desks exhibit they will not conform to the old system taught at the Welton Academy. This was one way the students showed gratitude towards Mr. Keating. It also represented sacrifice because the students were threatened with expulsion if they did not sit down and conform to the rules at the academy. These students defied authoritative rule which is also present among the twelve disciples following Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. After Jesus’ crucifixion, many of his followers were hesitant about continuing to spread that Jesus was the Son of God. The ones with courage were not willing to conform and go back to the Jewish teachings before Jesus’ time. The crucifixion solidified the power of the Pharisees. Similarly, the power to fire Keating solidified the control that the faculty had over Keating and the students that supported his teachings. This rebellion against the higher power was gratifying to Jesus Christ and Mr. Keating.
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