Cultural Reference: John Laurens Jess Girdler (Fall 2019) Part I ~ Introduction The musical Hamilton is a dynamic work which shares the story of the revolution from the experience and perspective of Alexander Hamilton. While there are many central characters and relationships between characters which are integral to the plot and the themes … Continue reading Young, Scrappy, and Loaded
Cultural Reference: “Everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid” (Act 2: 210) Andrew Pringle (Spring 2018) Part I ~ Introduction Every founding father had an idea of what the United States would become. The formation of their legacies and how they intertwine with the … Continue reading Washington’s American Dream
Cultural Reference: “Icarus” (Act 2: 238) Nate Cameron (Spring 2018) Part I ~ Introduction Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical, Hamilton, documents illustrious accomplishments from the unexpected source of a bastard and orphan named Alexander Hamilton. Clear from the beginning of the show is the strength of Hamilton’s inherent motivation. In the opening song, Hamilton takes the stage … Continue reading Flying Too Close to the Sun: Destructive Ambition in Hamilton
Cultural Reference: “You’ve got to be carefully taught” (Act 1: 27) Jeff Storms (Spring 2018) Part I ~ Introduction On May 27, 2016, Lin Manuel Miranda wrote (in faux-exasperation) to a fan with a question about a subtle reference in Hamilton: “WHEN ARE Y’ALL GONNA REALIZE I’M PLAYIN CHESS, NOT CHECKERS” (Miranda 2016). “Chess, … Continue reading “So Much Work to Do”: The Legacy of South Pacific in Hamilton
Cultural Reference: The Washington Monument (Act 2: 281) Macy Davis (Spring 2018) Part I ~ Introduction Alexander Hamilton, as he appears in Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, is obsessed with his legacy. When Hamilton is killed by Aaron Burr in a duel at the age of 47, control of his legacy shifts to those … Continue reading Telling a Monumental Story
... to "Hamilton in Context." In Spring 2018, I asked students in English 698 "Capstone: Hamilton" to begin creating an online resource to accompany the musical Hamilton, so others could have information about the musical and its themes. Another set of students in English 695 "Hamilton in Context" continued the project in Fall 2019. … Continue reading Welcome
Hamilton in Context 