Here's why:
Arguments against Neil's actions being altruistic:
* Self-centered motivations: Neil's desire to act in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" stems from his own yearning to break free from his father's strict expectations and pursue his passion for theater. While he claims to want to make his father proud, his primary motivation is self-fulfillment.
* Lack of consideration for others: Neil's pursuit of his dream ultimately leads to his tragic suicide, causing immense pain to his family and friends. His actions, while driven by a genuine desire for freedom, demonstrate a lack of consideration for the potential consequences on those around him.
* Focus on personal goals: Neil's actions throughout the film are primarily focused on achieving his own personal goals. While he may inspire others, his actions are not driven by a desire to directly help or benefit others.
Arguments for Neil's actions being altruistic:
* Inspiring others: Neil's passion and courage to pursue his dreams inspires his classmates to question their own paths and embrace their individuality. This could be seen as a form of altruism, as he indirectly helps others to discover their own passions.
* Challenging societal norms: Neil's defiance of his father's expectations and the strict social norms of the time can be interpreted as a form of altruism, as he challenges the status quo and inspires others to think for themselves.
Conclusion:
While Neil's actions are undeniably impactful and inspiring, they are primarily driven by his own personal desires and aspirations. His pursuit of his dream, despite the potential consequences, ultimately leads to a tragic end, making it difficult to definitively classify his actions as altruistic.
Ultimately, whether or not Neil's actions are considered altruistic is a matter of interpretation.