Dead Poet's Society

In Peter Weir’s 1989 film Dead Poets Society, Welton’s “Light of Knowledge” ceremony reveals deceitful respect between students, parents, and the headmaster. Almost inaudible whispers and chatter suggest teachers are worried about secrets kept among the adults. A strong bellow of bagpipes and flags bearing the words "Tradition," "Honor," "Discipline," and "Excellence" prove Welton's pride for its academic success. School staff has the students march down the hall, and the headmaster ignites the "Lights of Knowledge" to gain trust and respect of the boys' parents. The entire ceremony seems like a big, fake act rehearsed down to every step in order to make the headmaster seem like a more "Traditional, Honorable, Disciplined, and Excellent" man.