Summary of the Rebellion In the English language The poem The Rebel illustrates the character of a rebel, someone who does not comply to social conventions. The rebel is defined as someone who would defy others in order to stand apart. Such people often appear alone among their peers, and are often viewed with suspicion. They may be revolutionaries, activists, or criminals. Although rebels may be male or female, they are most commonly associated with young men. In poetry, a rebel is a term used to describe a person who deviates from the usual behavior or ways of doing things, especially within a group. This normal behavior can be based on society, as well as the individual themselves. It can also be based on personal feelings such as anger or ambition. Within literature, rebels are often depicted as being alone even amongst their friends, usually because they choose not to follow the crowd. They may also be seen as influential, as people look up to them and find their behavior inspiring. Rebels are common in literature and the arts, sometimes as a main character and other times in supporting roles. Some examples include: John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress and Thomas Hardy's The Reformer. These characters demonstrate many traits of what it means to be a rebel, including ambition, courage, and strength of will.