Transcendentalism, developed in the nineteenth century, is an idealistic philosophy that believes that knowledge of reality originates from one’s thought process, rather than scientific evidence or rigid laws. Thoreau and Whitman are its pivotal figures, advocating the importance of individuality and free-thinking. In the movie Dead Poets Society, a group of boys in a traditional high school are inspired by their teacher, Mr. Keating, and reconvene the “Dead Poets Society”. They appreciate the goodness of poems, of which the ideals of Thoreau and Whitman provoke some of them to emerge as transcendentalists, and ultimately, exercise non-conformity and self-reliance in their own lives. Charlie Dalton represents the resolute aspect of disobedience. The most rebellious out of all the boys, Dalton continuously confronts against the school’s established institutions. He publishes an article under the name of the Dead Poets Society, advocating for females to attend Welton. Then, at the general assembly, Charles blatantly picks up an imaginary telephone and scoffs the principle: “Mr. Nolan, it's for you. It's God. He says we should have girls at Welton.” (Weir, Dead Poets Society). Even facing the risk of getting expelled, Charlie steadfastly punches Cameron in the face for his betrayal. Proclaiming his epithet as…show more content… At first, he is shy and quiet, always obeys the rules, hesitantly refusing Neil’s invitation of joining the Dead Poets Society. Later on, as Mr. Keating’s encouragement guides him into creating poems himself, he recognizes the importance of thinking by oneself and individuality. He transforms into a complete transcendentalist in the end, when he stands up for Mr. Keating, who is forced to leave the school under false accusations, and cites “O Captain, My Captain” (Weir, Dead Poets Society). Todd Anderson’s practice of non-conformity and civil disobedience converts him to a transcendental
