Dead Poet's Society

After writing four poetry responses with still a few to go, I couldn't bring myself to blog about poetry also. However, I decided instead to write about the only other thing we've done in English class lately: Watch Dead Poet's Society.
I liked the movie so far, and the acting was good for sure. I loved that all the boys looked like they were going to pave their own way in the liberal arts field instead of the professional tracks their parents picked out for them. My parents haven't pressured me too much for college or a career, but I know they'd be upset if, for example, I decided to try to be a professional singer. I admired that the guy from House tried out for a play knowing his father wouldn't approve, and I was definitely excited that he was playing Puck, my favorite character in any Shakespeare play (and also a character that I played in fourth grade, no big deal!). So overall I'm really enjoying the movie, but I had a few reservations that probably have to do with it being set in the 50s.

For one thing, the characters kept pulling instruments out of absolutely nowhere. I definitely saw a recorder, bongos, and a saxophone come into the picture to play random music during the film. I found that extremely weird and a little confusing.
Also, the boys make the decision to start the Dead Poet's Society kind of randomly. Robin Williams says a few short sentences about it, and they go smoke pipes in a cave like that night. It was a cool idea, but they seemed way too excited about reading poetry out loud. I like the rhythm and sound of poetry a lot, but I don't usually sneak out and go hide in a cave to read it to a bunch of people. That part was a little far-fetched to me.
I was also a little skeptical about the lack of repercussions Robin Williams faced for having such a wild, eccentric teaching style. Based on that boarding school's reputation, I can't see them really being okay with a teacher that far outside of the box.

As critical as all of that was, I'd like to reinforce that I really liked the movie so far, and I'm excited to watch the end. I understand that the plot might not be entirely airtight, but the story is really good and, like I said, I like all the characters so far. Anyway, thanks Mr. Mullins for letting us watch it! You're awesome!