IndexIntroductionShifts of Attention in the ComedyConclusionAlexander Hamilton experienced a difficult childhood growing up on the Caribbean islands of Nevis and St. Croix. His parents were not married, making him an illegitimate child. They didn't have enough money to send him to school, so he had no formal education. His father left the family and his mother died when he was only eleven, leaving Hamilton and his brother destitute. As a teenager he found work as a clerk to a merchant which allowed him to showcase his genius for mathematics and business and to make important contacts that would influence his future immensely. Recognizing his talent, his employers helped him reach New York where he would finally have access to a formal education. Furthermore, Hamilton eventually established important relationships that would influence the course of his life. It was there that he became involved in the politics of the time, where resistance to the British monarchy was growing. At the same time, Hamilton was discovering his passion; he discovered a love for history and philosophy. Over the years at school, he developed a strong ambition to fight for certain rights and made friends with like-minded people. This early period of Hamilton's life in New York and the period leading up to the Revolutionary War are captured in the first performance of the song "My Shot" in the play Hamilton. In this song, which recurs throughout the work, Lin-Manuel Miranda uses events from Ron Chernow's biography to describe the colonists' passion and commitment to creating an independent country and, at the same time, shows how personal ambitions by Alexander Hamilton aligns with those of the revolution. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Introduction In Act I, Scene II, which corresponds to chapters 3-6 of Alexander Hamilton's biography, the song is used to introduce Hamilton's key associates and to explain their attitudes and roles in the revolution. John Laurens and the Marquis de Lafayette are shown as Hamilton's principal partners and friends. Aaron Burr, who will eventually become his enemy later in life, is depicted as arrogant, acting as if he knew more than Hamilton and his colleagues. Finally, Hercules Mulligan is introduced as Hamilton's first friend and the only one who shares Hamilton's lower status in society and his ambition to better himself. Together, these men express the passion of the era to seize the opportunity to create an independent nation, metaphorically expressed in the song as “taking their chance.” In the first verse, Miranda writes, “I don't throw away my chance; Hey, I'm just like my country; I'm young, grumpy and hungry; And I won't throw my chance away." These lyrics allude to the fact that Hamilton was not born into a wealthy family, which is different from many other founding fathers according to Chernow. However, that didn't stop him from wanting to give his best self and to make a difference. The words "young, ragtag and hungry" describe both the ambitious Hamilton and the new fledgling country. The next verse talks about Hamilton's desire to get an education rule to go far. “I'll get a scholarship to King's College; I probably shouldn't boast, but attack, and amaze; The problem is, I have a lot of intelligence, but no clarity; I have to shout just to be heard; I drop the knowledge. While in New York, Hamilton needed to attend preparatory school firstof college due to his lack of formal education or his "absence of polish." Hamilton wanted to attend Princeton, but had to settle for King's College in New York City. The song's third verse continues to speak to the challenges of Hamilton's early life and his great potential: "I'm a diamond in the rough, a shining lump of coal; Trying to reach my goal, my ability to speak: impeccable; Only nineteen, but my mind is older. These streets of New York City grow colder, I carry every burden, every disadvantage I have learned to handle. The plan is to turn this spark into a flame; damn, it's getting dark, so let me say my name; From a young age, Hamilton was wise. He worked hard in school and to impress influential people starting with his boss on St. Croix and continuing with John Laurens, Hercules Mulligan, and the Marquis of Lafayette. He had a gift and people knew there was something special about him. Focus Shifts to Game While attending King's College, Hamilton's passions shifted from his education to politics. He left school to join the local militia to fight in the American Revolution. First, he was an artillery captain, later moving on to one of George Washington's military aides. This was his time to shine. Miranda summarizes the reasons for the revolt and points to Hamilton as the star in the next line: “A colony functioning independently; Meanwhile, Britain continues to mock us endlessly; Essentially, they tax us relentlessly; Then King George turns and goes on a shopping spree; He will never free his descendants; So there will be a revolution in this century; ENTER ME!” Impressed with Hamilton, Washington placed him in command of an infantry battalion in New York. Hamilton and his men fought bravely at the Battle of Yorktown in October 1781, where Hamilton ran ahead of his battalion to engage the British, who eventually retreated. The song reflects Hamilton's courage and success with: “Don't be shocked when your history book mentions me; I will give my life if it will set us free; Eventually you will see my rise. In fact, less than five years after being employed on St. Croix, Hamilton became an aide to George Washington, “the most eminent man in America.” Hamilton's personal ambitions began to align with those of the revolution. Next, the focus shifts to the group of Hamilton, Laurens, Lafayette and Mulligan who together sing the refrain "I'm not throwing away my chance". At this point in the biography, their friendship is consolidating. As Chernow writes, “…Alexander Hamilton, the West Indian outsider, had a rare capacity for friendship and was already attracting a circle of devoted, well-placed people who would help propel him to the highest political plateau.” These influential people in Hamilton's life were as devoted to the revolution as he was. Lafayette is introduced in the next verse. He was a young aristocrat with connections to the French king. “I dream of a life without monarchy; the unrest in France will lead to “honarchy”; “Onarchy?” As you say, as you do... Oh, anarchy!; When I fight, I panic the other party; With my…” According to Chernow, he was so committed to overthrowing the British monarchy that he donated much of his fortune to finance the war effort. Afterwards, Mulligan joins in on the song. He was Hamilton's first friend and one of his only friends who was a merchant. “Hey, I'm an apprentice tailor; And I brought all you idiots in loco parentes; I join the rebellion because I know it's there.