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Romanticism and Realism in “Dead Poets Society”
What is romanticism? • Romanticism was a philosophical and
artistic movement that began in the 1700’s
• It was a backlash against the logic and reason of a period in thought known as “The Enlightenment” (1700-1850)
• Enlightenment thinkers believed that humans should use reason and logic above all else to guide how they lived their lives
• Emotions were viewed as distracting, or even harmful
How’d this happen?!?!
• The Romantics thought this focus on reason stole a person’s inspiration and individuality
• The Romantics believed that humans were basically good and that they should allow their emotions to guide their thoughts and behaviour
• The Human Spirit is at the core of Romanticism and people should embrace it
Mozart v. Beethoven
Realism • In philosophy (and in life) it is the belief
that each thing or situation has its own reality which is completely separate from how humans may view it
• As such, humans should attempt to look at things how they really are and deal with them as they really are
An example • George McAlister and John Keating
An example… • “You take a big risk by encouraging them
to become artists, John. When they realize they’re not Rembrandts, Shakespeares, or Mozarts, they’ll hate you for it.”
• “We’re not talking artists, George. We’re talking free thinkers.”
• Laughing sarcastically: “Free thinkers at 17?”
• “Funny, I never pegged you as a cynic.”
• Cynic: a person who believes humans are motivated primarily by selfishness
• “Not a cynic, a realist.”
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