The Theme of Legacy in the Hamilton Musical.
Hamilton is an American musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and directed by Thomas Kail. The musical is about the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States of America. Lin-Manuel Miranda gives a vivid chronicle of the life of Alexander Hamilton, his life experiences, goals, ambitions, and contributions to the wars and struggles that shaped one of the greatest nations on earth (Wolfe 148). One of the main themes of the play is legacy. The drive to create a lasting legacy is something fuels Alexander Hamilton for most of his life. Hamilton’s obsession with creating a legacy is profound; it influences most of his decisions and in turn, the play.
The belief that everyone has a history and shapes their legacy influences the ethical lives and decisions of many of the characters. Miranda develops the theme of legacy in two distinct characters; Alexander Hamilton and Gorge Washington. Hamilton asserts his belief in legacy through the repetitive mantra, “I’m not throwing away my shot…” His opportunity to leave behind a fantastic legacy is his precious shot. Gorge Washington hands over his power after serving for two terms for the sake of democracy. In contrast, Hamilton doggedly pursues the glory of a self-fulfilled legacy. At the same time, Gorge Washington gives up the opportunity to further his legacy to establish and protect the democratic principles of the nation.
Burr and Hamilton are both promising and ambitious men. However, their pursuit of legacy is done differently because of their separate beliefs. Burr’s philosophy is that of caution and secrecy to avoid creating a negative image. He often says to Hamilton, “Talk less. Smile more. Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you are for.” Burr is disgruntled by the fact that despite Hamilton’s arrogance and obnoxious nature, he is chosen to work with Washington. On the other hand, Hamilton states, “If you stand for nothing, Burr, what’ll you fall for?” Hamilton’s obnoxious loudmouthed nature turns out to be the better path for the creation of a lasting and successful career. Burr’s attitude prevents him from attaining the presidency, while Hamilton climbs up the career ladder. The only thing that limits Hamilton’s assent is the revealing of his affair.
The most robust expression of the theme of legacy is in the songs. In the song ‘The story of Tonight’, Laurens, Mulligan, Lafayette, and Hamilton sing, “When our children tell our stories…If they tell my story I am either gonna die on the battlefield in glory or rise up…Head full of fantasies of dyin’ like a martyr…” The song expresses Hamilton’s futuristic consideration of what future generations shall remember about his exploits and actions. Will his name command the glory of a soldier’s or martyr’s death?
In the song, ‘Blow Us All Away’, Phillip, Hamilton’s firstborn son challenges Eacker to a duel. Philip’s reason for the challenge is, “[Eacker] disparaged my father’s legacy in front of a crowd. I can’t have that…I’m making my father proud.” Philip is influenced by his father’s obsessive passion for a legacy. He takes the insult to his father’s legacy so seriously he feels he must defend it with his life. The same attitude is seen in Hamilton. During his duel with Burr, Hamilton wonders, “What if this bullet is my legacy?” Father and son put are so concerned with the history they create that they willingly place it above their lives.
In ‘Burn’ Eliza, Hamilton’s wife, states, “I’m erasing myself from the narrative.” Initially, Eliza acknowledges her husband’s need to be remembered but does not put much emphasis on it, as long as she is part of his life. After the reveal of Hamilton’s affair, Eliza’s stand changes. She goes as far as actively criticizing her husband’s obsession with legacy, “You and your words obsessed with legacy, your sentences border on senseless, and you are paranoid in every paragraph.” Eliza removes herself from the creation of any sought of legacy, expressing her desire to be a mystery in the question of Hamilton’s betrayal. She states, “Let future historians wonder how Eliza reacted when you broke her heart.” It is only after Hamilton’s death that she re-inserts herself and expresses interest with her legacy, “I put myself back in the narrative…will they tell my story?” In short, Eliza is aware of her husband’s ambition to create a legacy but is indifferent to his efforts. However, Hamilton’s affair prompts her to distance herself from his legacy and even wonder about her own after Hamilton dies.
Legacy is arguable, the strongest theme throughout the Hamilton musical. Miranda expresses the theme through the philosophies of characters like Burr, Washington, Philip, Eliza and Hamilton. The likening of legacy to a shot also gives the audience the impression of an opportunity that requires precision and a good aim. The songs are the most persuasive evidence and expression of the belief and active pursuit of a lasting and dazzling legacy by some of the characters. Ultimately, many of the characters were concerned with how history and future generations would remember them and were willing to go to great extremes to leave a lasting impression.
References
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Wolfe, Ashley Ann. “Hamilton: The Exhibition.” Curator: The Museum Journal 63.1 (2020): 147-159.