Poem ‘The Rebel’ by D. J. Enright is a simple poem exploring the nature of the rebel sort of behaviour in a society. The Word Meanings given here are detailed and comprehensive to explain the inherent meanings expressed by words and phrases. So, enjoy the free learning resources here.
Word – Meanings
Here, the stanza comprises every two lines in a sequence.
Stanza 1:
When everybody has short hair,
The rebel lets his hair grow long.
- Rebel: A person who resists or defies authority or societal norms.
- Hair: The rebel’s hairstyle.
- Short hair: Hair that is cut short, often seen as conforming to societal norms.
- Long hair: Hair that is grown out and not trimmed regularly. Explanation: The rebel chooses to grow their hair long when everyone else has short hair, signifying their defiance of the prevailing fashion trend.
Stanza 2:
When everybody has long hair,
The rebel cuts his hair short.
Cuts his hair short: The rebel trims their hair to make it shorter. Explanation: When long hair becomes the norm, the rebel goes against it by cutting their hair short, refusing to conform.
Stanza 3:
When everybody talks during the lesson,
The rebel doesn’t say a word.
- Lesson: A class or educational session.
- Talks during the lesson: Engages in conversation or disrupts the learning environment.
- Doesn’t say a word: The rebel remains silent and refrains from participating in discussions. Explanation: When everyone is talking during a lesson, the rebel chooses not to speak, going against the expected behaviour.
Stanza 4:
When nobody talks during the lesson,
The rebel creates a disturbance.
- Nobody talks during the lesson: Everyone remains quiet and doesn’t engage in conversation.
- Creates a disturbance: The rebel intentionally causes a disruption or disturbance.
- Explanation: When silence prevails, the rebel creates chaos by disturbing the calm atmosphere.
Stanza 5:
When everybody wears a uniform,
The rebel dresses in fantastic clothes.
- Uniform: A standard set of clothing worn by a group or organization.
- Fantastic clothes: Exaggerated or unconventional attire.
- Explanation: When everyone wears a uniform, the rebel stands out by wearing flamboyant or unique clothing, challenging the idea of conformity.
Stanza 6:
When everybody wears fantastic clothes,
The rebel dresses soberly.
- Fantastic clothes: Exaggerated or unconventional attire.
- Dresses soberly: Wears simple and unremarkable clothing.
- Explanation: When everyone dresses in fantastic clothes, the rebel opts for a more modest and understated style, expressing their nonconformity through subtlety.
Stanza 7:
In the company of dog lovers,
The rebel expresses a preference for cats.
- Dog lovers: People who prefer or admire dogs.
- Cats: Domesticated feline animals.
- Expresses a preference: The rebel states a liking or fondness for something.
- Explanation: In the presence of dog lovers, the rebel shows their support for cats, deliberately going against the prevailing preference.
Stanza 8:
In the company of cat lovers,
The rebel puts in a good word for dogs.
- Cat lovers: People who prefer or admire cats.
- Puts in a good word for dogs: The rebel speaks positively about dogs.
- Explanation: When surrounded by cat lovers, the rebel goes against the expected affinity and praises dogs instead.
Stanza 9:
When everybody is praising the sun,
The rebel remarks on the need for rain.
- Praising the sun: Expressing admiration or enjoyment of sunny weather.
- Remarks on the need for rain: The rebel points out the importance of rain, contrary to popular sentiment.
- Explanation: When everyone is appreciating the sun, the rebel brings attention to the necessity of rain, challenging the prevailing opinion.
Stanza 10:
When everybody is greeting the rain,
The rebel regrets the absence of sun.
- Greeting the rain: Showing enthusiasm or appreciation for rainy weather.
- Regrets the absence of sun: The rebel expresses disappointment over the lack of sunny weather.
- Explanation: When rain is the prevailing weather, the rebel expresses a longing for sunshine, contrasting with the general sentiment.
Stanza 11:
When everybody goes to the meeting,
The rebel stays at home and reads a book.
- Going to the meeting: Attending a gathering or assembly.
- Stays at home: The rebel chooses not to participate and remains at home.
- Explanation: When everyone goes to a meeting, the rebel rebels by staying home and engaging in solitary activities like reading.
Stanza 12:
When everybody stays at home and reads a book,
The rebel goes to the meeting.
- Stays at home: The rebel chooses not to go out and remains indoors.
- Reads a book: Engages in reading literature.
- Explanation: When everyone stays at home and reads, the rebel rebels by going to the meeting, actively seeking interaction and engagement.
Stanza 13:
When everybody says, Yes please,
The rebel says, No thank you.
- Says, Yes please: The rebel agrees to a request or invitation.
- Says, No thank you: The rebel declines a request or invitation.
- Explanation: When everyone responds positively, the rebel goes against the flow by refusing or contradicting the expected response.
Stanza 14:
When everybody says, No thank you,
The rebel says, Yes please.
- Says, No thank you: The rebel declines a request or invitation.
- Says, Yes please: The rebel agrees to a request or invitation.
- Explanation: When everyone says no, the rebel defies the norm by responding positively or accepting what is offered.
Closing lines:
It is very good that we have rebels.
You may not find it very good to be one.
- Rebels: Individuals who challenge norms and authority.
- Explanation: The poem acknowledges the importance of rebels in society, recognizing their role in pushing boundaries and questioning established norms.
- You may not find it very good to be one: The poet suggests that being a rebel may not be desirable or enjoyable for everyone.
- Explanation: While rebels are important, the poet acknowledges that embracing rebellion may come with challenges or consequences that not everyone may be willing to face.