Young Men and Their Chosen Paths: Stephen Daldry's film Billy Elliot and Seamus Heaney's poem 'Follower' Samuel Rose 12th Grade

The undertaking of a transition from one phase of life to another can prove difficult and there may be obstacles to overcome along the way. In order to transcend adversity, an individual will often need to maintain diligence and perseverance to seek new beneficial opportunities and the development of self-belief. This attitude towards self-development can also allow and individual to gain support crucial to successfully make the intended changes. This difficult transitioning process can be explored through Stephen Daldry’s film, Billy Elliot 2000, as it follows a young English boy persevere through social and familial barriers to pursue positive individual change in his life, and alternately through “Follower” a poem by Seamus Heaney which encompasses a a young boy, aspirant to overtake his fathers farming career. The issues that affect Billy’s transitioning into the world of ballet include social conformity and judgement and conflict and love in father son relationships, whereas the issues affecting the boys transition include familial expectations and individual aspirations. These issues can be analysed through a variety of visual and language techniques used.

The issue of social conformity and judgement can act as a...