How do the teachings of Mr. Keating and the reactions of the boys relate to the Study of Transcendentalism? What are the consequences of becoming a "different drummer"? What is required?
Mr. Keating asks the boys to discover their individuality; "I sound my barbaric yawp over the rooftops of the world." He asks them to forge their own way in the world. Not conforming to the establishment, especially at an elite prep school, exacts a price. Conformity is mandatory in these schools during the 1950's. The boys were not prepared to face the consequences of failing to conform by marching to a "different drummer."
