Topic > Construction and Representation of Identity in the Dead Poets Society and Frost's Poetry

Discovery is the process of unveiling a new or renewed understanding of the world that may be the result of a journey or an unexpected experience. While abandoning social norms can lead to deeper revelations that can be unexpected but wonderful, this experience can generate a greater appreciation for the world around them with a brighter perspective on their outlook on life. Robert Frost's "The Tuft of Flowers" (TT) and "Stopping by woods on a snowy evening" (SB) explore that understanding of place and intellectual experience can result in a greater experience of self through the ramifications of romantic settings and the isolation of the person. Similarly, Peter Weir's film Dead Poets Society (DPS) explores literature as an outlet for individuals to achieve intellectual and personal breakthroughs with a renewed understanding of their surroundings in a repressive society. Therefore, through these texts, Frost and Weir demonstrate that their characters abandon established ways and embrace new perspectives that provide a deep understanding of an individual's identity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayNatural and romantic settings are often the catalysts for the sudden and unexpected journey of place discovery for individuals to generate a heightened sense of self. Frost's simplistic use of the heroic couplets in 'TT', "I went to turn the grass once after one/Who mowed it in the dew before the sun" sets the tone of peace and tranquility, which resonates in a natural and romantic setting. This resonance strengthens the individual's ideal environment to provide a catalyst for sudden and unexpected discovery, facilitating discovery of a place that may not have been achieved anywhere else. Frost continues to portray the character's sudden natural discovery "A flowery tongue that the scythe had spared... I feel a kindred spirit to mine" by using action verbs; Frost brings the natural environment to life. The unexpected discovery allows the person to discover a connection through previously unknown nature. Similarly in “SB,” the allure and beauty of the woods draws the character in, though conflicted between giving in to nature or bearing the burdens of society. This notion is prevalent through the depicted symbol of snow as a representation of beauty. “The only other sound is the blowing/of light wind and downy flakes” to use the sense of hearing to convey the beauty of nature. Although the character finds himself in an uncomfortable place “between the woods and the frozen lake/the darkest evening of the year,” he stopped to contemplate the beauty of nature. Then, through the natural and romantic settings, the personalities revealed a discovery of places that was able to form a new understanding as a result of abandoning established ways. An individual's isolation can facilitate moments of epiphanies that lead to intricate self-discoveries and the employment of unique perspectives. In Frost's "TT" the butterfly motif facilitates a connection between the lawnmower and the character, in turn transforming the character's sense of isolation and outlook on life. It is the butterfly that leads the person to the flowers “She turned first and led my eye to look / A tall clump of flowers beside a stream” that causes her discovery and epiphany. Furthermore, the juxtaposed couplets “The butterfly upon which I had perched, / However, a message from the dawn” expresses the change in attitudinal tone; from perceiving isolation.