This essay will persuade the reader into considering the negative aspects of conformity. The link between the film, “Dead Poets Society”, directed by Peter Weir, and the novel, “The Wave”, written by Morton Rhue, will be illustrated in this text. The negative aspects of both texts are illustrated by self inflicted violence, perpetrated violence, and loss of individuality.

The storylines of The Wave and Dead Poets Society are similar. Both texts involve students conforming in a particular fashion and suffering negative effects.

The Wave is set in 1969, in Palto Alto, California in a typical American classroom. Ben Ross, the history teacher adopts a new concept to somewhat mimic what happened in World War II when Hitler commanded the Nazi’s. The concept involved rigid stance and robotic-like responses to questions – being treated like soldiers. Most of the students accommodated the idea and responded positively, however some didn’t like the conformist style.

Similarly, in Dead Poets Society, a high expectations school, Welton Academy, has a well-known and respected name. The student’s conform to the schools rules until one da

Yet another example of individualities lost is in Charles Dalton. He was a part of the Dead Poets Society and always wanted attention. Some signs of Charles wanting exuberated attention is when he changes his name from Charlie to Nuanda, when he exercises the right not to walk, when he shoves the meatball in his mouth when told not to, and when he paints a Indian symbol of virility on his chest.

During a general assembly in Dead Poets Society, four pillars bearing the words Honour, Excellence, Discipline, and Tradition are brought in by students. These four values are held at Welton Academy not only to promote the sincerity of the school internally, but also to provide standards for the students to perform at. Since Welton Academy is not a school where the boys may indulge in individual fantasies, it attempts to create a utopian society within the school, with students conforming to its rules and regulations. Some examples of the strict guidelines of Welton academy:

“Keating: I want you to find your own walk right now, your own way of striding, pacing: any direction, anything you want. Whether it's proud or silly. Anything. Gentlemen, the courtyard is yours. You don't have to perform. Just make it for yourself. Mr. Dalton, will you be joining us?

Another student in Dead Poets Society who lost his individuality is Knox Overstreet. Knox's "object of desire" was Chris Danberry. His thoughts, poetry and behaviour revolved around her. He broke rules to see her, competed for her attention against her boyfriend and sacrificed his relationship with his family and hers. Due to his overwhelming emotions, he writes and recites a poem to her during her lesson. It read: "The heavens made a girl named Chris with hair and skin of gold to touch her would be paradise."

Some topics in this essay:
John Keating, Welton Academy, Poets Society, Todd Anderson, Chris Danberry, David Laurie, II Hitler, Charles Dalton, Wave Unlike, Morton Rhue, dead poets, dead poets society, poets society, welton academy, john keating, negative aspects, negative aspects conformity, aspects conformity, lost individuality, “the wave”, day boys, movie todd,