Rebellion

Definition

Rebellion refers to an act of violent or open resistance against an established authority or government. It often stems from feelings of oppression and injustice, motivating individuals or groups to challenge the status quo. In literature, rebellion is frequently depicted as a means of seeking freedom or expressing discontent with societal norms and expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the works of certain writers, rebellion is portrayed as a fundamental aspect of human experience, representing the struggle against existential despair.
2. Albert Camus viewed rebellion as a response to the absurdity of life, suggesting that embracing rebellion can lead to personal authenticity and freedom.
3. Rebellion can take various forms, including social movements, political uprisings, and personal acts of defiance against oppressive systems.
4. The theme of rebellion often intersects with questions of morality, ethics, and justice, raising important debates about the justification for resistance.
5. Rebellion is a recurring motif in literature from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century, reflecting broader societal changes and the search for individual identity.

Review Questions

• How does rebellion serve as a response to oppression in literature?
  • In literature, rebellion often emerges as a reaction to various forms of oppression, whether they are political, social, or existential. Characters may rebel against unjust authorities or societal norms in search of freedom and identity. This act of defiance not only highlights their struggles but also symbolizes a broader critique of the systems that perpetuate injustice.
• Discuss how Albert Camus’ philosophy connects rebellion with the concept of absurdism.
  • Albert Camus connects rebellion with absurdism by suggesting that when faced with the inherent meaninglessness of life, individuals can either succumb to despair or choose to rebel against it. Through rebellion, people assert their existence and strive for personal meaning despite the chaotic and indifferent universe. This philosophical stance encourages embracing one's freedom while acknowledging life's absurdities.
• Evaluate the impact of rebellion on individual identity in mid-19th to mid-20th-century literature.
  • Rebellion significantly impacts individual identity in literature from this era by serving as a catalyst for self-discovery and empowerment. As characters confront external authorities or internal conflicts, their acts of rebellion reveal deeper truths about their desires and values. This struggle for authenticity resonates with readers, illustrating the complex relationship between societal expectations and personal freedom in shaping one's identity.

Related terms

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, often questioning the meaning of life and the role of the individual in society.

Absurdism:

A philosophical concept closely related to existentialism, which posits that human beings exist in a purposeless, chaotic universe, leading to a conflict between the desire for meaning and the inability to find it.

Nihilism: The belief that life is meaningless and rejects all religious and moral principles, often associated with extreme skepticism about the value of existence.