Daud Kamal was a Pakistani poet who wrote most of his work in the English language. His poetry was influenced by modernist English-language poets like Ezra Pound, W.B. Yeats, and T.S. Eliot. He was born in Abbottabad in 1935 and received his education from Burn Hall Srinagar, Burn Hall Abbottabad, Islamia College Peshawar, University of Peshawar, and University of Cambridge2. He taught English at the University of Peshawar for 29 years and won several awards for his poetry, including the Faiz Ahmed Faiz award and a posthumous Pride of Performance award. He died in 1987 and was buried in the University of Peshawar’s graveyard.
His poems convey a sense of loss and spiritual displacement in the face of violence and cultural erasure. He also translated some poems of Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Mirza Ghalib from Urdu into English. He is one of the accomplished poets of Pakistan.
The Rebel” is a poem that explores the theme of rebellion and the consequences faced by those who challenge the oppressive forces of society. The poem uses imagery, contrast, and irony to convey the poet’s message. The poem was written in 1976, during the era of martial law and political repression in Pakistan, and reflects Kamal’s own experience of being a dissident and a critic of the authoritarian regime.
In Daud Kamal's poem, "The Rebel," the poet presents a poignant exploration of rebellion and the struggles faced by individuals who dare to defy societal norms. By framing society as the oppressor, Kamal effectively highlights the collective forces that suppress and punish those who challenge the established order.
The use of the ambiguous pronoun "They" in the opening line creates a sense of mystery and raises questions about the identity and motives of the oppressors within society. By attributing the actions to society at large, Kamal portrays a broader and more pervasive source of oppression, encompassing societal expectations, cultural norms, and power structures.
The juxtaposition of the serene orchard wall and the act of execution in line 3 serves as a stark contrast that represents the clash between the rebel and the oppressive forces of society. The orchard wall, symbolizing peace and harmony, becomes a symbol of the status quo that the rebel challenges. This contrast underscores the oppressive nature of societal norms and the harsh consequences faced by those who deviate from them.
The word "shot" in line 4 carries a weighty impact, emphasizing the violent and unforgiving response of society to those who refuse to conform. It highlights the systemic measures taken by the oppressors to maintain control and suppress dissent. Through this choice of language, Kamal emphasizes the gravity of the rebel's punishment and the injustice inherent in their execution.
The imagery of the "Pandemonium of crows" in line 6 represents the collective outcry and resistance against societal oppression. The crows, often associated with darkness and death, become symbols of those who stand against the oppressive forces within society. This imagery reinforces the idea that rebellion is not an isolated act but can inspire a broader movement seeking change and liberation.
The mention of the mother in line 10 adds an emotional dimension to the poem. Her act of prayer in line 11 reflects a desperate plea for protection and intervention, highlighting the inherent vulnerability of individuals who challenge societal norms. The phrase "in ignorance" in line 12 further underscores the disconnect between her faith and the harsh reality of societal oppression. It suggests that society, in its blindness and rigidity, fails to recognize the value of divergent perspectives and instead imposes punishment on those who dare to question the status quo.
The final stanza, with the image of the wheat ear on the stubble and the "blind earth," takes on added significance when viewed through the lens of society as the oppressor. The wheat ear symbolizes growth and fertility, representing the rebel's potential to bring about positive change. However, the stubble and the blind earth allude to the obstacles and indifference faced by rebels within society. It emphasizes the need for societal transformation, where the blind earth represents the need to awaken collective consciousness and foster a more inclusive and accepting society.
By analyzing "The Rebel" with society as the oppressor, we gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by individuals who challenge societal norms. Kamal's evocative imagery and choice of language expose the systemic nature of oppression and emphasize the importance of unity and collective action in effecting meaningful change within society.
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