Palaces Out Of Paragraphs

English 1102: Hamilton and Writing

Reflective Blog Entry

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by Noah Hammond

For my Remix and Adaptation project I decided to use the two Cabinet Battle songs from the Hamilton soundtrack and turn them into the form of a Twitter argument. Hamilton and Jefferson have pretty heated debates about a couple of political topics and that just reminded me of the arguments that people have over Twitter these days.

Couples Arguing GIFs - Find & Share on GIPHY

I started off by going back to the genius annotations of the Cabinet Battle #1 and Cabinet Battle #2 to see their lyrics again. I went line by line, reading the annotations on the website and researching further into the subject of their disagreement. After I felt I had a pretty good grasp on what was going on during that time period, I started turning Jefferson’s initial arguments into tweets. This part was difficult since the original discussions were in an older form of English and the song lyrics were in rhyming verses. I tried to recreate language and habits that people on Twitter these days tend to favor. I also added gifs to most of the tweets to reinforce the message and add a multimodal aspect to the project. Since the technology is available to us, I see why people like to communicate using words and images online. I also had to create multiple new Twitter accounts which took some fiddling with due to Twitter’s privacy and safety policies.

ARUL GUNAWAN: CARA BUAT FOLOWER PD TOMBOL TWITTER

If I had to improve my project, I would like to incorporate tweets from other people, whether they be subtweets, replies, or just other people commenting on the debates. This would make the conversation fell more real since the way social media is today, anyone can come in and give their opinion. If I added a series of tweets from George Washington trying to moderate the two over Twitter, it could be very interesting. There are still a lot of things that Twitter offers that I haven’t explored yet, but I feel that I learned more about it as an online platform form this project.

Remix and Adaptation Proposal

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by Noah Hammond

For my Remix and Adaptation project, I’m using the Cabinet Battle #1 and #2 songs from the soundtrack. I’m going to turn the debates between Hamilton and Jefferson into a series of tweets. This adaptation is taking the ideas of the founding fathers and putting them in a modern setting. With the current political situation, a lot of important discussions and ideas are visible to the public through the medium of Twitter or other social media applications. If Hamilton and Jefferson had their arguments on Twitter, what would that be like? How would the public react and would the outcome change?

The skills I need for this project are a certain level of knowledge about how to use Twitter as well as a familiarity with internet culture and trends. Thanks to this class’s usage of twitter, I have figured out how to do a lot of things that I didn’t know beforehand. However, I might have to look at arguments or disagreements that have been had over twitter, whether it be between two celebrities over some beef they have, or political opponents that want to be seen as “modern” and “current”.

The biggest challenge in this project will probably be converting Hamilton’s and Jefferson’s words into modern terms as well as keeping the tweets within the character limit.

DeCipherTheMind (Simon (call me Ci)) | DeviantArt

Blog Post 5

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by Noah Hammond

The song on the Hamilton Mixtape “Dear Theodosia” really stood out to me, since I’m a fan of Chance the Rapper. He is very versatile in his music talents, since he can rap as well as sing. In “Dear Theodosia,” Chance is singing a mellow song about a girl he loves and how committed he’s willing to be. Compared to the original song in the soundtrack, there is much more harmonization, since technology in the recording studio allows him to record and go back to layer his voice on top of itself, while in the musical they have to sing everything live.

Chance The Rapper Dancing GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

You can feel the emotion of the song clearly when it is sung by Chance, since he is a professional and does this for a living. Not that the actors in the Hamilton musical are not good singers, it’s just that they have to be able to act, sing and dance for an audience so they don’t need to convey all the meaning of the song in the music. Chance’s style showed through in this song as well. You get the feeling that he has gone through something similar to the character in the musical, so he can really relate and put himself into the song. That makes for even better quality music.

At Super Bowl, Schuyler Sisters Sing 'America The Beautiful'

Aaron Burr wants to dedicate himself to Theodosia, but he ends up being taken over by his political career and even goes so far as to kill one of his rivals; Hamilton. In the song, you can tell that he really cares for her and he wishes he could be there for her, but the events in the musical prevent him from doing that. The song takes place before Hamilton’s death, so the audience may know that Burr’s words end up being hollow, making it even sadder.

Blog Post 4: My Writing Process

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by Noah Hammond

I don’t see myself as a very good writer. I usually end up talking in concise sentences that end up sounding choppy and irregular when read through normally so my ideal writing practice would be to make sentences that flow well together while keeping the reader’s attention. I do feel like I’ve gotten better throughout high school and my first English class in college though. My process is to come up with a general idea of what I want to say and start writing. I find that starting to write is the hardest part for me so once I get some words onto the paper I start getting more ideas.

Writing GIFs - Find & Share on GIPHY

I write best without any distractions since I can easily get sidetracked while trying to finish an assignment. I like to put on music so I have some background music. Chewing gum also helps me focus. I’ve found that prewriting helps me organize my ideas into logical sections, but unfortunately I don’t always take the time to do so. For many assignments, I end up using the deadline as motivation and rush through it. My favorite way to procrastinate before a deadline is to read, play basketball, and do wholesome things that I never do when I have nothing due the next day.

How To Write A Good Song GIFs - Find & Share on GIPHY

I love having a bag of pretzels next to me whenever I write because I can just keep eating them without getting full, and it gives me something to do while I’m thinking of what to write next. I have a love hate relationship with deadlines, since I would never really do the assignments without them, but they stress me out to no end.

Historical Annotation Project: Hamilton to Burr

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by Noah Hammond

 

N York 20 June 1804

Sir:

I have maturely reflected on the subject of your letter of the 18th Instant[1], and the more I have reflected, the more I have become convinced that I could not without manifest impropriety make the avowal or disavowal which you seem to think necessary[2].

The clause pointed out by Mr. Van Ness[3] is in these terms: “I could detail to you a still more despicable opinion which General Hamilton has expressed of Mr. Burr.[4]” To endeavor to discover the meaning of this declaration, I was obliged to seek in the antecedent part of the letter for the opinion to which it referred, as having been already disclosed[5]. I found it in these words: “Genl. Hamilton and Judge Kent[6] have declared in substance that they looked upon Mr. Burr to be a dangerous man, and one who ought not to be trusted with the reins of Government.[7]” The language of Dr. Cooper plainly implies that he considered this opinion of you, which he attributes to me, as a despicable one; but he affirms that I have expressed some other still more despicable; without, however, mentioning to whom, when or where[8]. ‘Tis evident that the phrase “still more despicable” admits of infinite shades from very light to very dark. How am I to judge of the degree intended. Or how should I annex any precise idea to language so vague[9]?

Between Gentlemen despicable and still more despicable are not worth the pains of a distinction. When, therefore, you do not interrogate me as to the opinion which is specifically ascribed to me, I must conclude that you view it as within the limits to which the animadversions of political opponents, upon each other, may justifiably extend[10]; and consequently as not warranting the idea of it which Dr. Cooper appears to entertain. If so, what precise inference could you draw as a guide for your future conduct, were I to acknowledge that I had expressed an opinion of you, still more despicable than the one which is particularized[11]? How could you be sure that even this opinion had exceeded the bounds which you would yourself deem admissible between political opponents[12]?

But I forbear further comment on the embarrassment to which the requisition you have made naturally leads[13]. The occasion forbids a more ample illustration, though nothing would be more easy than to pursue it[14].

Repeating that I can not reconcile it with propriety to make the acknowledgment or denial you desire[15], I will add that I deem it inadmissible on principle, to consent to be interrogated as to the justness of the inferences which may be drawn by others, from whatever I may have said of a political opponent in the course of a fifteen years competition[16]. If there were no other objection to it, this is sufficient, that it would tend to expose my sincerity and delicacy to injurious imputations[17] from every person who may at any time have conceived that import of my expressions differently from what I may then have intended, or may afterwards recollect[18].

I stand ready to avow or disavow promptly and explicitly any precise or definite opinion which I may be charged with having declared to any gentleman[19]. More than this can not fitly be expected from me; and especially it can not reasonably be expected that I shall enter into an explanation upon a basis so vague as that which you have adopted[20]. I trust upon more reflection you will see the matter in the same light with me[21]. If not, I can only regret the circumstances and must abide the consequences[22].

The publication of Dr. Cooper was never seen by me ‘till after the receipt of your letter[23].

Sir, I have the honor to be
Your Obdt. St

A. Hamilton

[Read more…]

Blog Post 3

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by Noah Hammond

While listening to the Hamilton soundtrack on Spotify and keeping up with what happens in the musical, I’m impressed with how well it tells a complete and interesting story. Reading and studying history from a textbook can get tiresome, so the fact that Hamilton can tell the story of Hamilton with modern-sounding soundtrack is quite a feat. Miranda’s ability to have the characters personalities and motives shine through in their songs makes the story of Hamilton easy and enjoyable to follow.

I’ve been reading Game of Thrones recently and I can see a lot of similarities to Hamilton with how the stories are told. Both utilize the characters in the story to draw the audience in and get them to care about what happens to the characters and their goals. There is even parallels between the stories in the political sense. Characters clash with each other when their goals conflict and there are big consequences for almost all characters that try to get involved.

The thing that is significant about Hamilton and where I believe it gets a lot of its popularity from is that it tells the story in a form that approachable and already popular for a lot of people today. Hip-Hop has almost taken over the music industry and has so many different forms that nearly anyone can enjoy the soundtrack of Hamilton. It also has a diverse cast which helps attract more attention for being a unique and progressive group of people. All of these things combine to make Hamilton an extremely popular musical that has taken the country’s attention and held it for awhile. The price of tickets to see the musical is evidence enough of that.

Blog Entry 2:

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by Noah Hammond

I chose the letters of correspondence between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr before their duel. Specifically I chose Hamilton’s first response to Burr’s initial letter since I was interested in the events leading up to their duel. They started out seeing each other as a sort of respected rival, but gradually went in different directions in their political careers. Hearing that Hamilton died in a duel with Burr piqued my interest. To me it felt like a story line from a movie, so the fact that it actually happened to Alexander Hamilton drew me to their letters.

This letter is important because it shows what was going through Hamilton’s head right before his death. It gives a unique look at history that you wouldn’t get normally through a secondary source. Without documents like this we would have only a one dimensional knowledge of history.

To research deeper into Hamilton’s letter, I’ve been reading up on historical documents from 1800-1804 and attaching them to what Hamilton talks about or references in  his letter. Since I already have the letter itself, and therefore Hamilton’s insight, pairing that with articles and other documents from that time period will give me a idea of the history behind Hamilton’s eventual death.

The biggest challenge so far with my research is finding documents that were extremely close to the dates on the letter. I’ve been able to find documents around the turn of the century, but I can’t find them with specific enough dates. My plan for getting over this challenge is to ask questions to the Librarian comes to talk on Thursday. With the resources that Georgia Tech provides, I should be able to find more relevant documents.

Blog Entry 1: Framing History in a Modern Light

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by Noah Hammond

In the musical “Hamilton” Miranda takes many creative liberties with the accuracy of the historical events that happen in the events of the musical. The songs that are performed throughout the play are hip-hop or rap songs that would usually have no connection to Alexander Hamilton and his life. Miranda chose to use the life of Alexander Hamilton to represent the life of someone coming to America, starting from the bottom, and trying to make their way in the world. Hamilton had to prove himself with only his wits and ambition. A lot of minorities in America have a similar experience where they have to rely on only themselves since they won’t get any extra or free help from the world.

 

 

The creative liberties in the musical also highlight how history can be applied to modern times. If we look at Hamilton, we see that he is incredibly intelligent and ambitious, but he has to work much harder since he came to America on a ship. Today we have issues with racism and hatred for people unlike ourselves. If we look at the story of Alexander Hamilton, we can see some parallels to our own modern time. I believe that this was what Miranda was going for when he decided to make a musical about Alexander Hamilton that included creative liberties with history and modern music genres.

Another big reason that he decided to take some creative liberties was that it makes the musical more interesting to watch. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like the musical would be a whole lot more boring if it were perfectly historically accurate.

 

Annotation Blog Post

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by Noah Hammond

Letter from Hamilton to Burr before their duel.

Originally found on Wikisource:

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Hamilton%E2%80%93Burr_duel_correspondences

N York 20 June 1804

Sir:

I have maturely reflected on the subject of your letter of the 18th Instant, and the more I have reflected, the more I have become convinced that I could not without manifest impropriety make the avowal or disavowal which you seem to think necessary.


The clause pointed out by Mr. Van Ness is in these terms: “I could detail to you a still more despicable opinion which General Hamilton has expressed of Mr. Burr.” To endeavor to discover the meaning of this declaration, I was obliged to seek in the antecedent part of the letter for the opinion to which it referred, as having been already disclosed. I found it in these words: “Genl. Hamilton and Judge Kent have declared in substance that they looked upon Mr. Burr to be a dangerous man, and one who ought not to be trusted with the reins of Government.” The language of Dr. Cooper plainly implies that he considered this opinion of you, which he attributes to me, as a despicable one; but he affirms that I have expressed some other still more despicable; without, however, mentioning to whom, when or where. ‘Tis evident that the phrase “still more despicable” admits of infinite shades from very light to very dark. How am I to judge of the degree intended. Or how should I annex any precise idea to language so vague?

Between Gentlemen despicable and still more despicable are not worth the pains of a distinction. When, therefore, you do not interrogate me as to the opinion which is specifically ascribed to me, I must conclude that you view it as within the limits to which the animadversions of political opponents, upon each other, may justifiably extend; and consequently as not warranting the idea of it which Dr. Cooper appears to entertain. If so, what precise inference could you draw as a guide for your future conduct, were I to acknowledge that I had expressed an opinion of you, still more despicable than the one which is particularized? How could you be sure that even this opinion had exceeded the bounds which you would yourself deem admissible between political opponents?

But I forbear further comment on the embarrassment to which the requisition you have made naturally leads. The occasion forbids a more ample illustration, though nothing would be more easy than to pursue it.

Repeating that I can not reconcile it with propriety to make the acknowledgment or denial you desire, I will add that I deem it inadmissible on principle, to consent to be interrogated as to the justness of the inferences which may be drawn by others, from whatever I may have said of a political opponent in the course of a fifteen years competition. If there were no other objection to it, this is sufficient, that it would tend to expose my sincerity and delicacy to injurious imputations from every person who may at any time have conceived that import of my expressions differently from what I may then have intended, or may afterwards recollect.

I stand ready to avow or disavow promptly and explicitly any precise or definite opinion which I may be charged with having declared to any gentleman. More than this can not fitly be expected from me; and especially it can not reasonably be expected that I shall enter into an explanation upon a basis so vague as that which you have adopted. I trust upon more reflection you will see the matter in the same light with me. If not, I can only regret the circumstances and must abide the consequences.

The publication of Dr. Cooper was never seen by me ‘till after the receipt of your letter.

Sir, I have the honor to be
Your Obdt. St

A. Hamilton

Introduction: Noah Hammond

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Hey everyone! I’m Noah Hammond.

I took English 1101 here at Georgia Tech last Fall and didn’t particularly enjoy it. I like to read, but unlike my high school English classes, we didn’t read anything other than Shakespeare in 1101. I mostly like to read science fiction and fantasy books such as Game of Thrones. I enjoy English classes if we’re reading about things I like, but I’m usually more of a math/science kind of person like everyone else at Tech.

This summer I’m enrolled in CS 1331, since I want to change my major to Computer Science. I am also working at a restaurant in Tech Square for the summer.

I see myself as a decent oral communicator, since I can convey what I am trying to say most of the time, but I can definitely work on my written communication. Throughout high school and in my previous English class at Tech I struggled with writing essays that were in-depth enough. I end up saying what I want to say in a concise manner and fail to go into detail about the topics I’m discussing. I would like to work on describing the themes of my essays more effectively.

I’d heard of the musical Hamilton because my younger brother is into musicals and is in the theater club at his school. I enjoy going to musicals every now and then, but I’m no huge fan of them. Hamilton seems like a musical I’d be interested in, since it has modern music styles and a diverse cast. This sets it apart from most other musicals.

This is our dog, Biscuit. He’s a Welsh Corgi and he is about a year old. He loves running after everything that makes noise and licking everyone. He barks at nothing, just in case someone is trying to rob our house.