The Rebel by D.J.Enright

THE REBEL

By D.J.ENRIGHT 

• Critical analysis of the poem
• Difference between the two categories of rebels 
• Bring out the element of humor and irony 
• D.J. Enright's portrait of a rebel is keen subtle and witty. Elaborate.

In the human world, rebels or nonconformists are usually of two categories. The first category is of those who are intellectually mature and every action of theirs is guided and controlled by a well thought out philosophy or ideology. These rebellous people are really praise worthy in the sense that they have a well defined humanitarian goal before them and make all sort of sacrifices for the particular realization of the goal they fix for themselves in life. About such people, one thing must be kept in mind that they make new apochs and leave lasting imprints in history and on the sands of time.

But there is another category of people who, white erroneously are termed as rebels by some non thinking people. These people due to their odd actions in their society become rumored to be rebels whereas the reality is that they have no philosophy whatsoever to guide them in the arena of life. Devoid of any goal, they move about in the world like one who must disagree with everyone in every affair of life. The fact is that, by every yardstick, they are pseudo rebels whose chief pleasure lies in the willful aloofness from others on account of their uncompromising attitude. In an indirect way, the poet suggest that such rebels are the victims of sheer inferiority complex or are invued with the insatiable desire for self projection and exhibition.

Giving a graphic picture of the second type of rebel, the poet vividly points out that to go against every established norm or existing situation is the permanent wont of such a person. He is absolutely immature and even abnormal in his approach. He differs with others only for the sake of difference and not due to any logically cogent reasons. For example, when others praises rain. he starts praising the sun and the vice versa.

Although the picture of such a pseudo rebel is soaked in light humor and sharp satire, the fact remains that the poet doesn't appear to be bitter anywhere in the poem.The poet persuades us to have a tolerant attitude towards a rebel and his eccentric behaviors. The poet suggests that though he seems to be unwanted yet his presence is good for society as it fills color in and diminishes the identification and boredoms.