The Dead Poets Society is clearly inspired by the transcendental values and beliefs of both Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Most notably, the theme of "self-reliance" prevails as a popular philosophy among students, as a variety of characters in the motion picture either endorse or renounce this belief. Protagonists Todd Anderson and Neil Perry endure the test of maintaining individualistic ideals only with the aid of their inspiring teacher, Mr. Keating. Additionally, other key philosophies of the respective transcendentalists are subject to further elaboration in the film, including the plight of a character to preserve his emotional integrity while within a circle peers who share drastically different values than his own. Thus, the consequences and effects of non-conformity are thoroughly explored, as Perry and Anderson discover slightly different variances of the motto, "Carpe Diem!" and strive to "suck out all the marrow of life."
             Todd Anderson clearly endures an emotional transformation as he struggles to emerge as a dominant student in school. As a recluse in the boys preparatory academy, Anderson often failed to voice his opinions and "speak his mind." His shyness was not just contained in a formal classroom setting, as he also did not assume a memorable role during assemblies of the "Dead Poets Society." The Dead Poets society was a club in which members could express themselves in ways their teacher taught them. Which is thus of Thoreau and Emersonian belief. However, the arrival of the admirable educator, Mr. Keating, and beginning of a budding friendship with fellow student Neil Perry mark the first occasions when the adolescent truly lived a life of his own without conforming to the standards of his peers. After engaging in these overtly beneficial relationships, Anderson perfectly exemplifies Emersons adage, "Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind." Ultimately, Todd ...