Final answer:
Mr. Keating has the boys stand atop his desk as a symbolic representation of breaking free from conformity and gaining a new perspective.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mr. Keating has the boys stand atop his desk in the movie Dead Poets Society as a symbolic representation of breaking free from conformity and gaining a new perspective. By standing on the desk, Mr. Keating challenges the traditional way of thinking and encourages the boys to see the world from a different point of view. This action also signifies the boys' liberation from societal constraints and their journey towards self-discovery and personal growth.