The historical background of the Movie
The story in this movie happened in 1959, it’s the time of cold war. Mccarthyism had just been eliminated. But the conservatism still prevailed in the U.S.A. At that time, the traditionist and the Iibertarian had a fierce battle. The traditionist thought that there should not have the radical revolution. They emphasize on the importance of experiences and historical tradition. In their mind, only the old tradition which have been tested so many times can be accept.
Walt Whiteman
In the movie, the name Walt Whiteman was mentioned several times. The must famous words in this movie ——Oh captain, my captain”——was his poem. Uncle Walt, this is what Mr.Keating call the great Walt Whiteman.
The historical background of the film shooting time
The movie was shot in 1989, 2 years after the stock market crash happened in 1987 the U.S.A. People during this time prefer to have a carpe diem time. It may be the reason why Mr.keating said seizing the day. It was a hard time and people want some breakthrough. And this may be the sprit want to show in this movie.
Background
The inspiration of the Dead Poets Society
The inspiration of this movie comes from James Hilton’s novel good bye Mr. Chips It’s a real story of Thomas Schumann, the script writer of this movie, when he studied in the preparatory school Montgomery Bell. His English teacher Samuel is the prototype of Mr. Keating.
The literature background of the movie
The beat generation still existed in the 1950s, it’s a new schools of literature. During that time most writers intentionally avoided the political and social problems. They just boost the political system blindly. The new generation can not bear the sight of this. So they began to challenge the old tradition.

But in the libertarian’s mind, the real freedom means you can pursue what you want. They didn’t want become the slave of the tradition. They prefer the social darwinism, the survival of the fittest, old can not always be the right.