Hamilton:
the Biography & the Musical
Study guide
Act 1
October 18
Meryl Lee
Nelson mnelson@uwsp.edu
Keep in mind:
Spoiler alert: The Hamilton-Burr duel has the same
outcome in the musical as it does in the book.
Dueling was outlawed. (pp. 116-17)
The Revolutionary War lasted six years until the
treaty was signed with Britain in 1782 (p. 173).
The Continental Congress authorized the new nation
no army (instead it relied on state militias); no uniform currency, no navy,
and no president. There were trade disputes between the States (p. 219-20). It
was chaos. Hence the Constitutional Convention to amend the Articles of
Confederation.
1789 the US Constitution was passed. George
Washington was elected President.
Biographer Ron Chernow is an enthusiastic
proponent of Alexander Hamilton, and so is composer Lin-Manuel Miranda who
captures the essence of the biography succinctly and colorfully in modern
vernacular.
There are a lot of words in the musical Hamilton and they come fast. Some
passing references are loaded. Let me alert you to some of them so you can
enjoy the book and the production even more.
Musical numbers:
1.
Alexander Hamilton
This one number summarizes the first two chapters
of Hamilton’s biography: childhood, poverty, illness, loss of parents, and his first
job. Self-educated he “wrote his way out” of the Caribbean and was sponsored to
attend school in New York. Other main characters make their first appearance in
this number: George Washington, Aaron Burr, Hamilton’s closest friends, his
political enemies and the women in his life. It predicts his early achievements,
the duel that ended his life and his legacy.
(Burr & Company) “ . . . Started workin’, clerkin’ for his late
mother’s landlord
Tradin’ sugar cane and rum and
all the things he can’t afford
Scammin’ for every book he can
get his hands on
Plannin’ for the future . . .”
(Burr) His enemies destroyed his rep. America
forgot him.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams outlive Hamilton by
two decades and publish attacks to destroy his reputation (p. 2) (p. 713).
Hamilton’s wife Eliza tries to restore it, but
Hamilton’s writings and exploits are so extensive that Eliza dies at age 97 before
his authorized biography was published (pp. 2-3).
2. Aaron
Burr, Sir
Alexander Hamilton introduces himself to Aaron
Burr. Hamilton asks Burr how he had graduated from Princeton in two years.
(Hamilton) “I
wanted to do what you did. Graduate in two.”
Aaron Burr had applied to Princeton at age 11 but
was turned down, being too young. He crammed for two years and applied again at
age 13 requesting to be admitted as a junior. He was admitted as a sophomore
and graduated at age 16 (p. 48).
Hamilton requested an accelerated course of study
at Princeton, like Burr had done (p. 47), and was turned down.
Hamilton entered King’s College in New York, which
later became Columbia University (p. 48-51). He completed his studies after the
War.
(Hamilton) “God
I wish there was a war. Then we could prove that we’re worth more than anyone
bargained for.”
Read Alexander Hamilton’s letter to Neddy (Edward
Stevens, his earliest close friend) in which Hamilton complains of “groveling
and conditions of a clerk . . . and would willingly risk my life tho’ not my
character to exalt my station . . . I
wish there was a war.” (pp. 30-31)
(Burr to Hamilton) “Let me offer you some free advice. Talk less. Smile more. Don’t let
them know what you’re against or what you’re for.”
Burr’s background (p. 191)
Chernow contrasts Burr with Hamilton: Burr is a
chameleon, a man of secrecy, an opportunist (p. 192).
Historical background: Burr started out with
advantages Hamilton lacked, but Hamilton surged ahead. Both men are orphans.
Both fought in the Revolution. They opened their nearby law practices within six
months of each other; and each had his first child within the same year.
Dramatic device: Burr is a foil for Hamilton, that
is, they have similarities but differ in ways that the composer wants to
highlight about Hamilton. Throughout the musical, Burr comments with
astonishment and sometimes disgust on Hamilton’s career.
3. My Shot
This song introduces Hamilton to John Laurens,
Marquis de Lafayette & Hercules Mulligan. They become friends and share
their motivations & ambitions.
(Lafayette) “I
dream of a life without a monarchy. The unrest in France will lead to [anarchy]
. . .”
Lafayette’s background (p. 96)
(Mulligan) “I’m
a tailor’s apprentice . . . I’m joining the rebellion cuz I know it’s my chance
to socially advance instead of sewin’ pants!”
Hercules Mulligan—one of the Sons of Liberty, a
tailors apprentice, and a spy for George Washington—was Hamilton’s first new
friend in NY (p.41-42)
Mulligan and Hamilton fought side by side when
British warships fired on Manhattan (p. 67)
(Laurens) “But
we’ll never be truly free until those in bondage have the same rights as you
and me . . . Wait till I sally in on a stallion with the first black battalion
. . .”
Laurens background (pp. 94-95)
Laurens leads former slaves turned free soldiers
(p. 121).
(Hamilton) “I
imagine death so much it feels more like a memory . . .”
This line from Hamilton’s soliloquy, will appear
again (20. Yorktown) and again (Act 2, 22. The World Was Wide Enough).
(Hamilton)
“ . . . between all the bleedin’ ‘n’
fightin’ I’ve been readin’ and writin’. We need to handle our financial
situation. Are we a nation of states? What’s the state of our nation?”
Even during the war as Washington’s aide Hamilton
was studying and putting his mind to the task of how to make a new government
work (pp. 110-111) (p. 137). This reading then led to his theories on American debt
and credit outlined in the Federalist Papers
(p. 157-58) and the central bank (p. 347).
(Hamilton) “I
never had a group of friends before.”
Hamilton’s study group at King’s College was his
first circle of intimates (p. 53).
Hamilton meets John Laurens & the Marquis de
Lafayette on Gen. Washington’s staff; the three young men bonded like the Three
Musketeers (p.94-97)
Dramatic device: Although Hamilton’s first meeting
with John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette & Hercules Mulligan happened on
separate occasions the composer compresses the events into one scene to save
time.
4. The
Story of Tonight
Here’s a catchy tune that demonstrates the men’s
bonding, their youthful exuberance, and their commitment to the Revolution.
5. The
Schuyler Sisters
This introduces Phillip Schuyler and his daughters
Peggy, Angelica, & Eliza. Phillip Schuyler is a wealthy, political leader
and a patriot. His daughters are a bit rebellious, too—four of the five
daughters eloped. Eliza will marry Hamilton in a ceremony at the Schuyler
mansion.
Schuyler family background (pp. 129-30)
(Angelica) “I’ve been reading common sense by Thomas
Paine.”
She establishes herself as the assertive and intellectual
one. In 11. Satisfied she matches
wits with Hamilton. Later they correspond across the Atlantic Ocean on public and
personal matters.
(Angelica) “And
when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’m ‘a compel him to include women in the sequel.”
Angelica actually met Thomas Jefferson in Paris
when he was ambassador to France and she was married to John Church, a British
Member of Parliament (p. 315-16).
6. Farmer
Refuted
Samuel Seybury, writing under the pseudonym “A
Westchester Farmer”, criticizes those who oppose the monarchy and favor
colonial independence. As spokesman for his friends, Hamilton heckles and
debates Seybury in the public forum.
While a student at King’s College Hamilton wrote
an anonymous piece in the press in support of the Boston Tea Party (p. 54)
In a speech at the Liberty Pole on the Commons Hamilton
went from being a “boyish speaker” to a “spellbinding young orator” (p.55).
Samuel Seybury was an Anglican clergyman and a
Loyalist of the crown who wrote under the pseudonym “A Westchester Farmer” because
Westchester had been granted special privileges by a royal charter and now felt
threatened. Hamilton took him on in the press; he also wrote about ambition in
the service of lofty ideals (pp. 57-59).
Chernow calls Hamilton at this time a
“swashbuckling intellectual” (p. 59).
7. You’ll
Be Back
King George is depicted as a controlling,
threatening, abusive boyfriend/partner. He got my hackles up until I recognized
that he provides comic relief.
(King George III) “I’m your man. . . You belong to me . . . I will send a fully armed
battalion to remind you of my love.”
(King George III warbles) “You say our love is draining and you can’t go o-o-o-o-on . . . ”
Does that sound remind you of the Beatles?
8. Right
Hand Man
General George Washington is in need of
assistance. He’s working with a third of what Congress promised. He needs a
right hand man. Burr offers his services, but Washington has already selected
Hamilton based on his military performance. This song recaps their interview between
two battles.
Manhattan: cannons versus warships (p. 66-67)
Hamilton as artilery captain (pp. 72-85); popular
for sharing hardships and rewarding merit (p. 73)
Burr offers his service to Washington (p. 74)
Rebels melt lead statue of King George III to make
musket balls (p. 78)
Battle of Brooklyn fiasco; Lord Stirling’s
surprising valor; stealthy retreat (p. 79-80)
The British take and hold New York City for seven
years (p. 80-81)
(Hamilton) “As
a kid in the Caribbean I wished for a war. I knew that I was poor. I knew it
was the only way to Rise up!”
Alexander Hamilton’s letter to Edward Stevens (pp.
30-31)
Hamilton aspired to be a military leader, even as
an undergraduate at King’s College where he joined the militia and did military
drills with his classmates (p. 62-63).
Hamilton’s valor and risk taking on the Schuykill
River (pp. 98-99)
He fought “in a frenzy of valor” at the Battle of
Monmouth (p.115).
(Hamilton) “We
gotta stop ‘em and rob ‘em of their advantages . . . Yo, lets steal their
cannons.”
Hamilton & 15 other King’s College volunteers
dragged more than 10 cannons from within the reach of the British to safety
under the Liberty Pole (p. 67)
(Washington) “Are
these the men with which I am to defend America?”
Those are George Washington’s actual words! (p. 80)
(Washington) “Hamilton,
how come no one can get you on their staff? . . . Nathaniel Green and Henry
Knox wanted to hire you . . .”
Col. McDougall, Lord Stirling & Nathaniel
Green take notice of Hamilton (p.72-75)
Washington & Hamilton fight in the battles at
Harlem Heights & White Plains (p. 81)
“ . . . the boy genius had now been ‘discovered’
by four generals . . . [&] Henry Knox.” (p. 85)
Washington invites Hamilton to join his staff as
aide-de-camp (p. 85)
Hamilton acquired confidence to function as
Washington’s proxy (p. 86)
As a team Washington and Hamilton were unbeatable
(p. 88)
“The pen for our army was held by Hamilton” (p.89)
Hamilton was ordered to resupply the troops with
blankets, clothing & horses from Philadelphia residents using a combination
of tact and firmness (p. 99)
9. A
Winter’s Ball
The men are discussing the women.
(Burr) “Washington
hires Hamilton right on sight. But Hamilton still wants to write, not fight . .
. What do we have in common? We’re reliable with the (All Men) Ladies!”
Ron Chernow describes Alexander Hamilton as “girl crazy”
and describes an early romance with Kitty Livingston (pp. 44 & 93-94).
Hamilton’s pay book contains not only notes on history and economics but also
amorous stories in Plutarch (p. 112).
(Burr) “The
Schuyler sisters are the envy of all. Yo, if you can marry a sister, you’re
rich son.”
(Hamilton) “Is
it a question of if, Burr, or which one?”
10.
Helpless
This song chronicles the courtship of Alexander Hamilton
and Eliza Schuyler. Hamilton is a love interest of Eliza’s older sister Angelica,
but Angelica introduces him to Eliza. We’ll see why soon enough (11. Satisfied).
(Eliza) “Laughin’
at my sister cuz she wants to form a harem.”
(Angelica) “I’m
just saying’ if you really loved me, you would share him.”
Did Angelica really say that? In essence, yes.
That’s what she suggested to Eliza in a letter in 1794 (p. 467).
And how did Hamilton feel? He called them “my dear
brunettes.” He and Angelica flirted and openly expressed fondness for each
other. Instead of threatening Eliza their relationship filled her with
“ecstatic pride.” Angelica & Eliza’s “shared love for Hamilton seemed to
deepen their sisterly bond” (p. 133-34).
(Eliza) “My
father makes his way across the room to you . . . he shakes your hand and says
‘be true’.”
Why did Phillip Schuyler let his daughter marry a
poor man from an unknown family?
Phillip Schuyler was close friends with George
Washington. Hamilton’s place on Washington’s staff enabled him to socialize
with Eliza Schuyler on equal terms (p. 129).
Hamilton established an instant rapport with
Phillip Schuyler (p. 135).
“Two years later Philip Schuyler sent Eliza a delighted
report on her amazing husband . . ” (pl 136).
(Hamilton) “Eliza,
I don’t have a dollar to my name, an acre of land, a troop to command . . . All
I have’s my honor . . .”
Why is honor so important to Hamilton? Could that
become significant later? Hamilton answered every false charge about himself. He
spent 15 years trying to run down the source of those lies (p. 675).
Miranda invents this scene in which Angelica and
Eliza meet Alexander at the same time. Angelica was Eliza’s older, married
sister. She was not present in Morristown when Alexander began courting Eliza.
(pp. 128-29). However the affection and attraction between Alexander and
Angelica is consistent.
Eliza Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton’s wedding
(p. 148)
11.
Satisfied
At Alexander & Eliza’s wedding Angelica has a
flashback to the night he met Angelica & Eliza. Lin- Manuel Miranda creates
a complex interior life for Angelica, based on facts gleaned from the
Hamilton biography’s many references to her.
When Angelica lived in London she yearned for
Alexander and Eliza; and Hamilton remained smitten with her (p.281).
This scene also uses some nice stage craft. Did
anybody notice what it was?
12. The
Story of Tonight (Reprise)
Hamilton’s Revolutionary friends celebrate his wedding.
Burr arrives and the focus turns to him and his affair with a married woman
(coming up in 13. Wait for it)
.
(Burr) “I
see the whole gang is here.”
Were Laurens, Mulligan & Lafayette at Eliza
and Alexander’s wedding in Dec. 1780? No. But it’s a pleasing image.
Were any of Hamilton’s relatives? No. Hamilton
offered to pay his father’s passage from the Caribbean to attend, but James
Hamilton never came, never met Eliza or the children (p. 148).
13. Wait
for it
Lin-Manuel Miranda also creates a complex interior
life for Aaron Burr. He’s portrayed sympathetically. I won’t say it’s justified
by the facts in the biography; but it’s a choice role for an actor. Maybe
Miranda sees the best in people. And it serves the dramatic function of making
Burr a worthy foil for Hamilton.
(Burr) “Theodosia
. . . I’m keeping her bed warm while her husband is away. He’s on the British
side in Georgia. He’s tryin’ to keep the colonies in line. He can keep all of
Georgia. Theodosia, she’s mine. . . ”
Burr marries Theodosia Prevost and they name their
daughter Theodosia (p. 169-70).
(Burr) “My
grandfather was a fire-and-brimstone preacher . . . If there’s a reason I’m still alive when everyone who loves me has died
I’m willing to wait for it. . . I am the one thing in life I can control . . .
I am not falling behind or running late . . . I’m lying in wait.”
Burr’s background (p. 191-92)
(Burr) “Hamilton
faces an endless uphill climb. He has something to prove; he has nothing to
lose . . . he takes and he takes and he takes and he keeps winning anyway. He
changes the game. He plays and he raises the stakes. . .”
14. Stay
Alive
(Hamilton) “I
have never seen the General so despondent . . .”
But instead of the original cast recording let’s listen
to “Valley Forge Winter 1778” from the demo tape.
This illustrates to me how Washington and Hamilton
developed the same outlook on a strong central government and why as Secretary
of the Treasury Hamilton insisted its robust power to raise revenue.
“The situation at Valley Forge was scandalous:
American soldiers were starving in the midst of a fertile American farmland.”
(p. 108)
Washington & Hamilton agree on views (p. 153)
Back to the original cast recording:
Instead of promoting Hamilton, Washington appoints
Charles Lee a general. At the Battle of Monmouth Lee disappoints. Washington
replaces Lee with Lafayette. Lee says vindictive things. In defense of
Washington, Laurens challenges Lee to a duel.
“America’s idolatry of Washington may have begun at
the Battle of Monmouth due to his calm leadership and reversing the dismal
course the battle had been taking (p. 114). It’s an exciting read!
Lee was court-martialed; Hamilton testified
against him (p. 115-16).
Laurens challenges Lee to a duel to avenge Lee’s
slurs against Washington. (p 116).
(Hamilton) “Laurens,
do not throw away your shot.”
Does that give another meaning to “I am not
throwing away my shot”?
15. Ten
Duel Commandments
Laurens and Charles Lee fight their duel. Hamilton
was Laurens’ second. Burr was Lee’s second. Laurens shoots Lee in the side and
Lee yields.
Altho dueling was outlawed it did follow certain
rules of etiquette. It was the first duel that Hamilton witnessed, and it
seemed a dignified way to settle a dispute (p. 117).
Dramatic device: Notice the counting in the
lyrics—appropriate for a musical about the first Secretary of the Treasury.
We’ll hear more counting later.
16. Meet Me
Inside
Hamilton’s frustration at being passed over for a
command boils over. In the personality clash Hamilton leaves Washington’s
service.
“Hamilton yearned for a field command, but
Washington could not afford to sacrifice his most valuable aide” (p. 107).
Washington is short-tempered with Hamilton but
apologizes. Hamilton doesn’t accept (pp. 151-52).
17. That
Would Be Enough
Alexander & Eliza celebrate their pregnancy.
Eliza pleads with Hamilton that he ease up on his ambition and just enjoy their
lives. It’s the classic Work-versus-Family balancing act.
(Hamilton) “Will
you relish being a poor man’s wife, unable to provide for your life?”
Hamilton’s prenuptial letter to Eliza: “Do you
soberly relish the pleasure of being a poor man’s wife.” (p. 146)
(Eliza) “I
don’t pretend to know the challenges you’re facing. The worlds you keep erasing
and creating in your mind. But I’m not afraid. I know who I married. So long as
you come home at the end of the day that would be enough.”
18. Guns
and Ships
Lafayette returns from France with guns and ships
and strategy (pp. 161-62). Washington recruits Hamilton to return to the fight by
giving him command of the New York light infantry. (p. 159) Hamilton proves to
be a successful military commander (pp. 163-64).
19. History
Has Its Eyes On You
Washington reflects on his own career as he
witnesses Hamilton advance.
20.
Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)
This is a narrative of the battle that is the
turning point of the Revolution: Hamilton leads a light infantry battalion; and
Lafayette leads the naval battle in Chesapeake Bay; after Hercules Mulligan
provided intelligence he picked up as a spy in New York.
Siege of Yorktown, 1781, a turning point (p. 161-65)
“Because of his valiant performance at Yorktown
Hamilton became a certified hero.” (p. 165)
A subtext of the musical gets this brief nod:
(Lafayette) “Immigrants:
(Lafayette & Hamilton) We get the job done.”
Hamilton’s soliloquy, a line that has appeared
before (3. My Shot) and will appear
again (Act 2):
(Hamilton) “I
imagine death so much it feels more like a memory . . .”
21. What
Comes Next?
King George III has lost his toy but can still
needle the victors.
22. Dear
Theodosia
Aaron Burr sings to his new daughter Theodosia
while Alexander Hamilton sings to his first son Philip.
(Burr & Hamilton) “You will come of age with our young nation. We’ll bleed and fight for
you. We’ll make it right for you. If we lay a strong enough foundation we’ll
pass it on to you, we’ll give the world to you, and you’ll blow us all away . .
.”
Hamilton rocks the cradle and describes himself as
domestic & describes his 7-month old son Philip with whimsy (p. 167).
23.
Non-stop
This finale of Act 1 brings together the
motivations of the main characters and cross-currents of their
desires. After the war Burr and Hamilton take up
the practice of law. George Washington resumes his life as a gentleman-farmer
at Mount Vernon, VA. The Articles of Confederation do not meet the needs of the
new government so the US Constitution is drafted and must be ratified by
Congress. John Jay, James Madison & Alexander Hamilton write The Federalist Papers to fuel public
support for the Constitution. Aaron Burr doesn’t participate. The Constitution
is passed. It calls for a chief executive, a “president.” Washington recruits
Hamilton to his Cabinet.
This song encapsulates over 120 pages from the
years 1782 to 1789 (pp. 167-290) and then some.
Watch for another nice piece of stage craft at the
end.
(Burr) “After
the war I went back to New York.”
(Hamilton) “A-after
the war I went back to New York.”
(Burr) “I
finished up my studies and I practiced law.”
(Hamilton) I
practiced law. Burr worked next door.”
“Hamilton
raced thru his legal studies with quicksilver speed.” (p. 169)
“Hamilton and Burr were thrust into close
proximity and a competitive situation.” (p. 169)
Hamilton and Burr collaborated to defend Levi
Weeks in the sensational case called the Manhattan Well Tragedy (pp. 603-06).
(Burr) “Hamilton
at the Constitutional Convention . . .
Goes and
proposes his own form of government . . .
Talks for
six hours. The convention is listless . . .”
1786 Hamilton is elected to the New York State Assembly
and sent as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention; and, yes, speaks for
six hours (p. 221 & pp. 224-28)
Alexander
joins forces with James Madison and John Jay to write a series of essays
Defending
the new United States Constitution entitled the Federalist Papers.
The plan was
to write a total of twenty-five essays, the work divided evenly among the three
men.
In the end
they wrote eighty-five essays in the span of six months. John Jay got sick
after writing five.
James
Madison wrote twenty-nine. Hamilton wrote the other fifty-one.”
Just like that. (pp. 174, 223 & 248)
(Washington) “They
are asking me to lead. I am doing the best I can to get the people that I need.
I’m asking you to be my right hand man.”
(Hamilton) “Treasury
or State?”
(pp. 270-72; p. 288)
(Angelica) “He
will never be satisfied . . .”
(Eliza) “What
would be enough?”
(Hamilton) “I
am not throwing away my shot!”
(Washington, Mulligan, Laurens, Lafayette) “History has its eyes on you.”
(Burr) “Why
do you assume you’re the smartest in the room?”
(Hamilton) “I
am not throwing away my shot!”
End of Act
1
If time permits we’ll listen to the opening of Act
2 and dissect it. We’ll compare some themes that carry through from Act 1 to Act
2.