In a world where compromise is part of our daily experience, there is something to be said for the rebel. Depending on the era, circumstances, and historian, individuals who revolted have been called everything from heroic revolutionary leaders to merelunatics (albeit magnificent agitators). The actions and programs of these rebels vary, as do the means and modes of expression. But one thing is certain: rebels capture our attention, even our collective imagination, and often strike a chord found in the human spirit. agenda. One of the most compelling heroes of rebellion in recent literary and theatrical history is Arthur Miller. Arthur Miller is arguably the most famous playwright of the last half century and has secured a well-deserved place in the history of the playwrights of the Revolt. Arthur Miller's moderately humble beings, a child growing up in the shadows of New York, did little to anticipate his eventual rise as a child. a literary giant. Miller's family was "unequivocally middle class and Jewish (Bigsby, page viii)." No notable experience shaped him or pushed him in any particular direction. But Miller had a desire to study at the University of Michigan, and when he was initially denied admission, he set to work to reverse the university's decision. Miller found a job to personally cover his tuition and "wrote a letter to the president of the university and asked for a chance to prove his merit (Bigsby, page viii)." He was eventually accepted and successfully completed a bachelor of arts degree...... middle of paper ...... efs ofplays. Miller was married three times (including to Marilyn Monroe), was active in liberal movements, opposed the House Committee on Un-American Activities, and even tried to write an adaptation of An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen. From Joe Keller to Willy Loman, from John Proctor to Dr. Stockman, Miller championed the struggle of ordinary men to rebel against the norms of the world and their determination, if not to live, at least to die on their own terms. He asked difficult questions, gave unpopular answers and articulated revolt in a way that continues to stir generations. Portable Arthur Miller, 1971, edited by Christopher Bigsby, Penguin Classic, Inc.