one of the most devastating parts of growing up with dead poets society as a beloved movie, is that you realize once you’re an adult that neil really could have had a happy life eventually.
when I was a teenager, I wanted to do what neil did, and I couldn’t even imagine a life beyond 18. I felt trapped, hopeless, unlovable, and alone. I didn’t see the point in being the golden kid any longer because nothing made me happy. I was like a bird in a cage, no matter what I did.
but now? now, I know myself better, and I’m doing things that make me happy. I have joy in my life, and I have accomplishments I can be proud of. I can picture a life beyond a few years ahead, and I look forward too it, no matter what the restrictions imposed on me in childhood did to try and keep me in the fold.
that’s the most upsetting part of dead poets society, though. that neil could have found something like this one day too, if only he’d been able to survive a little longer. he could have found happiness and contentment. he could have found his rightful place in the world, but now, no one will ever know just how much he could have accomplished. that’s the true tragedy.
