Dead Poet’s Society – And the Gift of Creativity

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy,

a quickening that is translated through you into action,

and because there is only one of you in all time,

this expression is unique.

And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium

and will be lost.”

― Martha Graham

Recently I had the privilege to, once again, view the classic film “Dead Poet’s Society”.  Its message is tender and rich with life wisdom.  The story takes place at a prestigious all boys’ school.  A former student turned passionate, inspirational teacher (played by Robin Williams) is hired to teach a poetry class to the young men. His presentation style is unconventional yet engaging and speaks profoundly to the student’s hearts, humanity and creative capacity.

The basic premise is about discovering one’s own true, authentic voice and finding the courage to express it despite the pressures to merely conform to societal norms and expectations.  There is a pivotal point in the film where one young man who is a popular, straight “A” student is inspired to explore his artistic talents due to the teacher’s influence.  After auditioning for an upcoming theatrical production, he is chosen for one of the lead roles in the school play.  Despite his father’s extreme disapproval, he goes behind his back and secretly takes part in the play’s opening. 

The production and his performance are met with rave reviews and enthusiastic congratulations from the audience and friends, but sadly not from his father.  Instead of celebrating this new and beautiful aspect of his son he is outraged and forbids him to follow such a foolish, artistic path.  His studies must come first.  The young man is so heart broken and seeing no way-out takes his own life by suicide later that evening.  This of course results in a ripple effect of shock and grief, not only for his close family and friends but the community at large.

They say that art imitates life, and this reflection is true for me regarding the film.  It was my last year of high school when my closest girl friend, who was in her first year of university and struggling in silence (in ways we did not perceive), took her own life.  In her case, it was the mother who was putting pressure on her to conform to a certain expected pathway.

We lived in a beautiful neighbourhood with all the material blessings one should be grateful for.  Yet due to the perceived pressure by her parents, she felt trapped and unfortunately could not see a creative solution to communicate her true needs in a way she felt she would be heard.

As in the film, the waves of shock and grief at the news of her death not only took hold of my heart, but her closest family and friends.  In turn dramatically rippling out into the community.  Unfortunately, at the time we weren’t given any grief support.  Years later her mother also took her own life never having had a supportive avenue to process the heartache and shame she felt around her daughter’s death.  Back then it wasn’t spoken of as openly as it is now.

Despite the fact I wanted to take a year off to re-evaluate next steps there was strong encouragement from my family to continue with my studies.  Reluctantly, off I went to university.  But as with many sudden deaths, after the initial shock and disbelief of what had occurred wore off it became harder to concentrate on my studies.  The truth of what happened and that she was never coming back took greater hold.  After the first semester, much to the disappointment of my parents, I left the academic program somewhat disillusioned by the experience.

Several months later I had a profound dream with my girl friend that was life changing and resulted in me making the firm declaration to follow my heart in life.  Wherever that would take me.  Looking back, I did not really understand what that meant but it was clear I did not ever want to feel so boxed in by circumstance that no other creative options could be found. 

As life would have it, in the years since, I have been blessed with all the love, support and education I have needed at key turning points.  My continued and greater task has been to be open to receive it. 

In the film, there is also a young student who is struggling to concentrate in his classes, yet the wise teacher recognizes his sensitivity, deeper gifts and insights.  He is shy and afraid to share his own true voice for fear of judgement.  He quietly tries to shrink himself and avoid the limelight.  Not long after the death of the young man, the inspirational teacher, who had been scape goated by the academic board and fired from his position, briefly returns to the classroom to pick up his things.  While this is occurring, miraculously, it is the quiet young man who is the first to stand on his desk and call out; “O Captain! My Captain!”.  A term of endearment and respect spoken for the teacher and all that he has learned from him.  This action came from an earlier exercise they did using the desk as a metaphor to remind them to embrace a different point of view.  There is always a different perspective to every situation in life.  Carpe Dieme was also a mantra he instilled in them to encourage them to “seize the day”.

The loss of my girl friend took place decades ago (much processing and healing has since occurred) but I found myself continually tearing up throughout the film and realized I could relate to the young boy who was the first to stand up on his desktop.  I too made a different choice at that time in my life.  A courageous choice at that crossroads to follow my heart. 

I share this in honour of her memory and the organic nature of the seasons of life that we pass through.  There is distinct power in our capacity to create.  A talent we all possess and often neglect.  When challenges arise there is always another, new perspective to explore and be embraced if we are open to discovery. 

This applies to both the ones who are facing obstacles and questioning if they can go on in life, as well as the ones left behind to grieve, heal and integrate a heart-breaking, devastating loss.

As I look back over the journey, I am deeply moved by all the varied, lived experiences I could never have predicted that have occurred and brought me to where I am now. Rich in the highest sense of the word.  Beyond mere material gain or possessions.  A blessed life indeed. 

The film is also a poignant reminder to be present to those in your life that you hold most dear and make sure to take time to truly attempt to see them and their inherent gifts with a renewed curiosity, love and encouragement.  We are all unique individuals, yet connection and community are vital lifelines when challenging times present themselves.

Carpe Diem!

Barbara Morningstar

Photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez CA on Unsplash