Literary notes about rebel (AI summary)
In literature, the term rebel is a versatile emblem of opposition, ranging from fierce warriors to ideologically driven mavericks. It can characterize individuals whose ambitions lead them to defy prevailing forces, as seen in ancient myths where a man’s violent resistance reflects a struggle against grand elemental orders [1]. At the same time, it also designates a spirit of insurrection on both personal and political levels—whether in the exclamatory challenge of a defiant character [2], the subversive nature of dissent against entrenched institutions [3], or the strategic use of the term to underscore a broader military resistance [4]. The word carries rich connotations, suggesting not only physical revolt as in legendary battles [5] but also a symbolic rebellion against societal constraints, capturing an enduring literary fascination with the tension between order and defiance [6].
- Violent and ambitious, he became a rebel, and sought by the influence of water to overcome that of wood [under which Nü Kua reigned].
— from Myths and Legends of China by E. T. C. Werner - “All right,” exclaimed one braggart, “if they want us to rebel, let’s go ahead!”
— from The Reign of Greed by José Rizal - In particular he becomes a rebel by habit, hating the police and the courts as his constant enemies.
— from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park - They could not see how the mere occupation of places was to close the war while large and effective rebel armies existed.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant - [810] Arthur’s lance : Mordred, natural son of King Arthur, was slain by him in battle as a rebel and traitor.
— from The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri: The Inferno by Dante Alighieri - The poet may rebel against any attempt to set limits to his fancy; and he may argue truly that moralizing in verse is not poetry.
— from The Republic of Plato by Plato
