CBSE Class 7 English (Honeycomb) Important Questions Chapter 2 (Poem) - The Rebel

1. What is the main theme of the poem "The Rebel"?
Ans: The main theme of the poem is individuality and the nature of rebellion, showcasing how a rebel goes against societal norms.

2. How does the rebel express his individuality in terms of hair?
Ans: The rebel grows his hair long when everyone else has short hair and cuts his hair short when others have long hair.

3. What does the rebel do when everyone talks during the lesson?
Ans: When everyone talks during the lesson, the rebel stays silent and does not say a word.

4. How does the rebel behave when no one talks during the lesson?
Ans: When no one talks during the lesson, the rebel creates a disturbance.

5. What kind of clothes does the rebel wear when everyone wears uniforms?
Ans: The rebel dresses in fantastic or unique clothes when everyone else wears uniforms.

6. What happens when everyone wears fantastic clothes?
Ans:  When everyone wears fantastic clothes, the rebel chooses to dress soberly.

7. In the company of dog lovers, what does the rebel express a preference for?
Ans: In the company of dog lovers, the rebel expresses a preference for cats.

8. What does the rebel do in the company of cat lovers?
Ans: In the company of cat lovers, the rebel puts in a good word for dogs.

9. How does the rebel react when everyone is praising the sun?
Ans: The rebel remarks on the need for rain when everyone is praising the sun.

10. What does the rebel say when everyone is greeting the rain?
Ans: When everyone is greeting the rain, the rebel regrets the absence of the sun.

11. What does the rebel do when everyone goes to the meeting?
Ans: When everyone goes to the meeting, the rebel stays at home and reads a book.

12. How does the rebel behave when everyone stays at home and reads a book?
Ans: When everyone stays at home and reads a book, the rebel goes to the meeting.

13. What does the rebel say when everyone says, “Yes please”?
Ans: When everyone says, “Yes please,” the rebel says, “No thank you.”

14. What does the rebel say when everyone says, “No thank you”?
Ans: When everyone says, “No thank you,” the rebel responds, “Yes please.”

15. What message does the poet convey about rebels?
Ans: The poet conveys that while having rebels is important for society, being a rebel can also lead to challenges.

16. What characteristics define the rebel in the poem "The Rebel," and how do these traits affect his relationships with others?
Ans: The rebel in the poem is characterised by his desire to be different and to challenge societal norms. He expresses his individuality through various actions, such as growing long hair when others have short hair and choosing to wear unique clothes when everyone is in uniform. These traits create a sense of conflict in his relationships with others, as he often goes against the majority. While some may admire his courage and uniqueness, others may see him as a nuisance or a disruptor. The rebel's actions show that individuality can lead to both admiration and alienation, highlighting the complexities of social interactions in a conformist society.

17. How does the poet use contrasts to emphasise the rebel's nature in "The Rebel"? Provide examples from the poem.
Ans: The poet uses contrasts throughout the poem to highlight the rebel's nature by placing his actions opposite to those of the majority. For instance, when everyone has short hair, the rebel lets his hair grow long, showcasing his defiance. Similarly, when others are praising the sun, the rebel remarks on the need for rain, demonstrating his tendency to question popular opinions. These contrasts emphasize his individuality and desire to stand out, reinforcing the idea that the rebel thrives on doing the opposite of what society expects. The repeated pattern of "When everybody... the rebel..." serves to create a rhythm that further highlights the differences between the rebels and the conformists.

18. Discuss the significance of the title "The Rebel." How does it reflect the content and themes of the poem?
Ans: The title "The Rebel" is significant as it encapsulates the main character's identity and the central theme of the poem. It reflects the idea of rebellion against societal norms and conventions. The rebel is portrayed as someone who does not conform to the expectations of society, whether in terms of appearance, behaviour, or opinions. This title conveys the essence of individuality and the importance of self-expression. Throughout the poem, the rebel's actions challenge the status quo, prompting readers to consider the value of questioning norms. The title also hints at the potential consequences of rebellion, as the poet acknowledges that being a rebel can lead to isolation, suggesting a deeper exploration of the balance between individuality and social acceptance.

19. How does the poem "The Rebel" illustrate the conflict between conformity and individuality?
Ans: "The Rebel" illustrates the conflict between conformity and individuality by showcasing the rebel's consistent opposition to societal norms. The poem presents various scenarios where the majority adopts a particular behaviour or belief, and the rebel takes the opposite stance. For example, when everyone goes to a meeting, the rebel chooses to stay at home and read a book. This decision highlights his desire for personal freedom over social conformity. Through these contrasts, the poem conveys the struggle between the desire to fit in and the need to assert one's identity. The rebel's actions serve as a reminder that while conformity can provide a sense of belonging, individuality is essential for personal fulfilment and self-expression.

20. Analyse the role of the rebel in challenging societal norms in the poem. What message does the poet convey through this character?
Ans: The rebel plays a crucial role in challenging societal norms in the poem by consistently defying the expectations placed upon him by society. His actions, such as expressing a preference for cats among dog lovers or creating disturbances during lessons, highlight his refusal to conform. Through the character of the rebel, the poet conveys a message about the importance of individuality and the necessity of questioning established norms. While the rebel's behaviour may lead to criticism or misunderstanding, it ultimately encourages others to think critically about their own beliefs and choices. The poet suggests that having rebels in society is valuable, as they push boundaries and inspire change, fostering a more diverse and open-minded community.

21. How does the structure of the poem "The Rebel" contribute to its overall meaning? Discuss the use of repetition and parallelism.
Ans: The structure of "The Rebel" significantly contributes to its overall meaning through the use of repetition and parallelism. The poem is organized around a consistent pattern: "When everybody..." followed by the rebel's contrasting action. This repetition reinforces the idea of opposition and emphasizes the rebel's identity as someone who consistently chooses the alternative path. The parallel structure not only creates a rhythmic quality but also highlights the regularity of the rebel's defiance. By presenting multiple scenarios in this manner, the poet effectively communicates the idea that rebellion is a recurring theme in the rebel's life. This structured approach allows readers to grasp the central message more easily: that individuality and the courage to stand apart are essential aspects of the human experience.

22. What emotions does the poet evoke through the portrayal of the rebel? How do these emotions impact the reader’s understanding of the character?
Ans: The poet evokes a range of emotions through the portrayal of the rebel, including admiration, frustration, and empathy. The rebel's boldness in expressing his individuality may inspire admiration in readers, as they recognize the courage it takes to stand out in a conformist society. However, there may also be a sense of frustration as the rebel's actions lead to misunderstandings or isolation from others. Additionally, the poem evokes empathy as readers may relate to the struggle of wanting to express one's identity while facing societal pressures. These emotions impact the reader’s understanding of the character by presenting the rebel as a complex figure who embodies both the joys and challenges of individuality. The multifaceted portrayal encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences with conformity and rebellion.

23. Discuss how the poem "The Rebel" encourages readers to think critically about social norms.
Ans: "The Rebel" encourages readers to think critically about social norms by highlighting the importance of questioning and challenging conventional beliefs. Through the rebel's actions, the poem prompts readers to consider the reasons behind their own choices and whether they conform to societal expectations out of genuine belief or pressure. The repeated contrasts between the majority and the rebel invite reflection on the value of individuality and the potential consequences of conformity. By presenting a character who defies norms, the poem encourages readers to appreciate the diversity of thought and expression. Ultimately, it suggests that critical thinking and self-awareness are essential for personal growth and societal progress.

24. How does the rebel's attitude toward social gatherings and meetings reflect his character?
Ans: The rebel's attitude toward social gatherings and meetings reflects his independent spirit and preference for solitude. When everyone goes to a meeting, the rebel chooses to stay at home and read a book, indicating that he values personal time and intellectual pursuits over social conformity. This choice highlights his belief in following his own interests rather than succumbing to societal expectations. Furthermore, when everyone else stays at home, the rebel attends the meeting, showcasing his unpredictability and willingness to act contrary to the group. This behaviour illustrates his nonconformist character and reinforces the idea that he prioritizes his individuality above fitting in with the crowd.

25. In your opinion, what is the poet's view on rebellion as portrayed in "The Rebel"? Support your answer with examples from the text.
Ans: The poet's view on rebellion in "The Rebel" is nuanced and acknowledges both its value and its challenges. The poem celebrates the idea that rebels play an essential role in society by challenging norms and promoting diversity. For example, the line "It is very good that we have rebels" suggests an appreciation for those who question the status quo. However, the poet also recognizes the difficulties faced by rebels, as indicated by the line, "You may not find it very good to be one." This acknowledgement of potential isolation or conflict reflects a balanced perspective. Ultimately, the poet conveys that while rebellion is important for progress and individuality, it can also lead to personal struggles, inviting readers to consider the complexities of being a rebel in society.

Benefits of Class 7 English (Honeycomb) Important Questions Chapter 2

• Practising important questions helps students identify and prepare for key topics that are likely to appear in exams.

• Questions typically cover themes, poetic devices, and specific lines, ensuring comprehensive preparation.

• Important questions ensure students focus on the most significant aspects of the poem, such as its meaning, tone, and imagery, avoiding unnecessary details.

• Concentrating on important questions allows students to revise effectively and save time by prioritizing essential points over less relevant material.

• Students become accustomed to different formats, including short answer questions, long answer questions, and objective types, boosting confidence in tackling the exam.

Conclusion 

Chapter 2 of CBSE Class 7 English (Honeycomb), titled "The Rebel," explores the theme of individuality and the nature of rebellion. The poem highlights how the rebel chooses to act differently from others, challenging societal norms in various situations. By working through the important questions related to this chapter, students can better understand the character of the rebel and the message behind the poem. These questions help students think critically about the importance of self-expression and the balance between fitting in and standing out. Overall, this chapter encourages readers to appreciate the value of being unique while considering the challenges that come with it.

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