Palaces Out Of Paragraphs

English 1102: Hamilton and Writing

Reflective Blog

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Reflective Blog
by Ye Jun Kim

left: Jenny Lind (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenny_Lind)

right: Maria Reynolds (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/alexander-hamiltons-adultery-and-apology-18021947/)

My adaptation was made by mixing two different original works with similar stories. I gathered insipration from the song “Say No to This” and came up with my remix. Listening to the song, there was a movie I kept thinking of, called “The Greatest Showman”. Although the real story of P.T. Barnum and Jenny Lind was not an actual affair, in the movie, the two were portrayed of having a short affair, like Hamilton and Reynold’s affair.
The woman in the drawing is Maria Reynolds and the man is Alexander Hamilton. However, the setting of the scene is in the movie, “The Greatest Showman”, after Jenny Lind performs at a big stage and kisses P.T. Barnum right before the curtain call. This is also right after Jenny Lind sings “Never Enough”, which is written on the background of the drawing.
I originally was planning on making this on pencil and paper, since I had no experience with computer graphics. However, as I kept thinking about making the remix, I wanted to try something different, even though it might not be as well drawn as if I drew on paper. So, after I submitted my proposal, I changed my mind to draw on the cimputer, which didn’t turn out that bad after all.
One thing I wish I could have done better is to better incorporate both original works into the remix. I also kind of regret not shoosing a more popular film to do the remix because after I drew the whole thing, I felt like people wouldn’t get the point of the remix.
Overall, there weren’t any big changes that was suggested, but tiny details were suggested to tweak to enhance the artwork. To reflect on the suggestion, I added more shading on the two characters and changed the hand written words to typed words. Adding shadow to the characters further defines the characters itself and allows the artwork to look more complete. I also changed the words to print because my handwritting didn’t seem to resemble the perhaps ‘old’ times.

Blog 5

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Blog entry 5
By Ye Jun Kim

When a show or anything that can be spread through media becomes popular, remixes and adaptations of the original piece emerge on the web. Similarly, the musical Hamilton has received multiple forms of remxes and adaptations.
One I thought was very interesting and unique was mixing the musical and another popular film to create a new work. More specifically, The mix between the Disney movie Mulan and Hamilton was very interesting. The author of this remix took the ever-so-confident characteristics that both exist in Lafeyette and Yao, and inserted the Hamilton characters in the Mulan settings.
The mix between the two pieces does not really help with making the story easier to understand, but I think that this allowes us to approach the characters in a more comfortable way. Since, for a lot of us, Mulan is a childhood movie, it is easier for us the connect with the characters in Mulan. However, Hamilton is about history after all, so it would seem harder to connect to and feel attached to the characters. By mixing the two allows us to look at the characters in Hamilton a different way, perhaps in a more casual way, thinking of them less as historical figures and more as people just like us.
I’ve mentioned this artwork in my Adaptation and Remix proposal as well, but I plan on using this as reference to create my rendition of Hamilton. Through looking at this piece, I was able to determine how I can go about working on mine and that I need to focus more on the characters itself than the event, since a lot of the times, the events are not as significant as the characters characteristics, especially if they are not the main characters.

Remix and Adaptation Proposal

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Remix and Adaptation Proposal

Ye Jun Kim

Creating a remix or an adaptation for an original work means adding my own personal style and interpreting the work based on what I saw and reflected upon. Using the knowledge and understanding of the musical “Hamilton”, I plan on reevaluating the song “Say No to This”.

The song “Say No to This” is about Alexander Hamilton’s affair with Maria Reynolds. Maria Reynolds had asked Hamilton for help, claiming that her abusive husband had abandoned her. Later that night, Hamilton arrived to where Reynolds was staying and she brought him upstairs to her bedroom, where he explains that “Some conversation ensued from which it was quickly apparent that other than pecuniary consolation would be acceptable,” marking the beginning of the Reynolds Affair.

Listening to the song, there was a movie I kept thinking of, called “The Greatest Showman”. Although the real story of P.T. Barnum and Jenny Lind was not an actual affair, in the movie, the two were portrayed of having a short affair, like Hamilton and Reynold’s affair.

Using this information, I will mix and match the two stories to create an artwork. I gathered my inspiration after seeing something like this with Lafayette and Yao, from the movie “Mulan”. The image below is the remix of the two works and I thought that this was very witty and straightforward.

Since I am not very skilled with drawing on the computer, I will do the drawing on paper. Using multiple media, such as paint, colored pencils, and pens, I will try to successfully merge the two characters from different films and portray them so that from both points of views, the story makes sense.

While brainstorming and drawing my remix, I might have some troubles regarding the message I am trying to convey. If I am not able to correctly define the details in each character and incorporate that into the drawings, the viewers will not know who is who, therefore failing to effectively convey the message. To overcome this possible obstacle, I will try my best to identify the individual and unique details of each character and figure out how to effectively merge those distinctions into one character.

This assignment will not only enable me to think of unique ways to understand the topic and message of the artwork, but it will also train me to interpret ideas different from what I am used to.

Blog 4

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Blog entry 4
By Ye Jun Kim

image: https://www.travelandleisure.com/food-drink/restaurants/chicago-cafe-no-laptops

My favorite place to write is a cafe. I go to the table at the corner of the room, preferably with good sunlight, putting my back against the corner of the room, and put in my airpods to listen to chill music. i can listen to any kind of music, except genres such as EDM, rock, and country. You might ask why not country? Well, I just don’t like country music. I think I like to drink while I write, but not eat. The biggest reason is that I dont want to get my keyboard messy. Drinks, on the other hand, dont get your hand dirty so I can work with drinks. I usually get either coffee or a refreshner to accompany my writing.

Before I start writing, I take out my sketchbook and try to organize my thoughts into drawings so that it is easier for me to put them down into words. I always carry around my sketchbook and often draw my thoughts or anything I see on that sketchbook so when I am stuck, looking through the sketchbook also helps with coming up with ideas to write.

My revision process almost always involves a third person. I have that person read through my writing, ask questions regarding the topic, and have them note any mistakes I made either with the content or the grammar.

I think I live my deadlines. Although I do hate deadlines, without them, I don’t think I will be able to get anything done. With that being said, before I actually NEED to get started on my work, I usually just watch a whole bunch of videos on youtube, explore new music, and just lay on my bed doing nothing.

Although I procrastinate a lot, especially when it comes to things like writing, I really like writing. When I am tired of all the things going on in my life, writing and drawing those thoughts down really help me get myself organized and back up to my feet. I guess it’s one of the healthy ways for me to cope with my feelings.

Letters from Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler

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Letters from Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler

By Ye Jun Kim

[Camp near Dobbs Ferry, New York, July 10, 1781]

The day before yesterday, my angel, I arrived here, but for the want of an opportunity could not write you sooner[1]. Indeed, I know of none now, but shall send this to the Quarter Master General to be forwarded by the first conveyance to the care of Col. Hughes[2]. Finding when I came here that nothing was said on the subject of a command, I wrote the General a letter and enclosed him my commission[3]. This morning Tilghman came to me in his name, pressed me to retain my commission, with an assurance that he would endeavor by all means to give me a command nearly such as I could have desired in the present circumstances of the army[4]. Though I know my Betsy would be happy to hear I had rejected this proposal, it is a pleasure my reputation would not permit me to afford her[5]. I consented to retain my commission and accept my command[6].

I hope my beloved Betsy will dismiss all apprehensions for my safety[7]; unhappily for public affairs, there seems to be little prospect of activity, and if there should be Heaven will certainly be propitious to any attachment so tender, so genuine as ours[8]. Heaven will restore me to the bosom of my love and permit me to enjoy with new relish the delights which are centered there[9]. It costs me a great deal to be absent from them, but the privation is certainly only temporary[10]. I impatiently long to hear from you the state of your mind since our painful separation[11]. Be as happy as you can, I entreat you, my amiable, my beloved wife. But let not absence deprive me of the least particle of your affection[12]. Always remember those tender proofs I have so frequently given you of mine and preserve for me unabated the only blessing which can make life of any value to me[13]…

 

Head of Elk, [Maryland] September 6, 1781.

Yesterday, my lovely wife, I wrote to you, inclosing you a letter in one to your father, to the care of Mr. Morris[14]. To-morrow the post sets out, and to-morrow we embark for Yorktown[15]. I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of writing you a few lines. Constantly uppermost in my thoughts and affections, I am happy only when my moments are devoted to some office that respects you[16]. I would give the world to be able to tell you all I feel and all I wish, but consult your own heart and you will know mine[17]. What a world will soon be between us! To support the idea, all my fortitude is insufficient[18]. What must be the case with you, who have the most female of female hearts[19]? I sink at the perspective of your distress, and I look to heaven to be your guardian and supporter[20]. Circumstances that have just come to my knowledge, assure me that our operations will be expeditious, as well as our success certain[21]. Early in November, as I promised you, we shall certainly meet[22]. Cheer yourself with this idea, and with the assurance of never more being separated[23]. Every day confirms me in the intention of renouncing public life, and devoting myself wholly to you[24]. Let others waste their time and their tranquility in a vain pursuit of power and glory; be it my object to be happy in a quiet retreat with my better angel[25].

A Hamilton

 

[Camp before Yorktown, Virginia, October 10, 1781. On October 12, 1781,[26] Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton: “I wrote you two days since.” Letter not found.]

 

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  1. Early in 1871, Hamilton requested a position in the military, hoping to ensure a spot and win glory on the battle field, since the end of the war was imminent. However, Washington’s lukewarm responses encouraged Hamilton to ride to Dobbs Ferry.
  2. The Quarter Master General, Nathaniel Greene, was hesitant on accepting the Quarter Master position at first, because he was a businessman and thought that it didn’t prepare him for a job regarding the military.
  3. After arriving at Dobbs Ferry looking for a military position, Hamilton had written a resignation letter since there weren’t any military roles he could find.
  4. Tilghman did not accept Hamilton’s resignation and assured Hamilton that Washington would aspire to find a position for Hamilton here “by all means”. Later in the month, Washington comes back to Dobbs Ferry and grants Hamilton the command of a New York light infantry battalion in control under Colonel Alexander Scammell.
  5. Although Hamilton was liked by a lot of people, there were some who did not like Hamilton, one of which was John Adams. Adams much rather preferred Aaron Burr to be in a general position, but Washington did not appoint Burr as general. This led to the relationship between Hamilton and Burr to become more hostile.
  6. Since he did go all the way to Dobbs Ferry in hopes for a position, after the struggle, when he was offered a position, he was able to retain the resignation and decide to remain at Dobbs Ferry.
  7. Betsy is Elizabeth Schuyler’s childhood nickname. While Alexander Hamilton was away, “Betsy” stayed at parent’s home in Albany. There, Hamilton wrote her letter, this being one of the many he wrote, urging her not to worry about his safety and confidential military secrets.
  8. The quote, “Heaven will certainly be propitious to any attachment…”, implies that God will be on his side in the Revolution if any activities or disputes come up to end the war.
  9. Hamilton seems to be very poetic when he speaks to Elizabeth Schuyler and expresses his feelings for her. Hamilton says, “Heaven will restore me to the bosom of my love,” implying that God has made the couple a fate, referring to Elizabeth as the “bosom of my love”.
  10. Hamilton knows the two being apart will only be temporary because he firmly believed that the war will end soon. However, he is still in pain in the fact that he is not able to enjoy the “delights” with his wife.
  11. Right after marriage, the couple had to split due to Hamilton having to leave for the military. However, they soon got back together at New Windsor. They then moved to Albany, to Elizabeth’s parents’ house. A couple months after that, they had to separate again, Leaving Elizabeth at Albany while Hamilton left for Dobbs Ferry.
  12. Here, Hamilton uses a hyperbole to ask her not to forget about him. He says, “let not absence deprive me of the least particle of your affection,” and to always remember the affections that Hamilton poured on her. One’s particle can’t simply be deprived, but in this context, Hamilton is just urging her to remember every part of the love he gave her.
  13. The latter half of this sentence is also a hyperbole when Hamilton says, “blessing which can make life of any value to me,” to imply that the “tender proofs” the couple has shown each other is a great blessing and something they cannot forget about. However, if this sentence were to be taken literally, this means that if these blessings were not present, he would have not a purpose of life. This use of hyperbole leads the readers to conclude that the love Hamilton had for his wife was tremendous.
  14. Hamilton not only wrote to Elizabeth Schuyler while he was away, but he also wrote to his father-in-law, and all the Schuyler sisters. This implies that he had good relations with all the members of his in-laws, adding to the reason why he writes to his wife with overpowering love and affection.
  15. The start of the embark on Yorktown began by encircling Cornwallis and Yorktown with both colonists and French soldiers. About a month and a week after the start of the surrounding of the location, the siege began, ending up leading to the end of the Revolutionary War.
  16. Hamilton reminds his wife of his unrelenting love and how she is in every piece of his life. He says, “I am happy only when my moments are devoted to some office that respects you,” meaning that he is not willing to work with people that doesn’t respect his wife as well.
  17. The phrase, “I would give the world to be able to tell you all I feel and all I wish,” is a hyperbole to once again express Hamilton’s love for Elizabeth Schuyler. Realistically, it is impossible to “give the world”, but using the hyperbole, Hamilton exaggerates the things he would do for his wife.
  18. “What a world will soon be between us!” refers to the time that will come when the war is over, which Hamilton believes is after this Siege on Yorktown.
  19. This is a rhetorical question with an obvious answer, which once again praises Elizabeth Schuyler. Elizabeth Schuyler helped Hamilton with his campaign regarding military affairs, helping him write speeches while giving care to eight children, keeping the home live spirited.
  20. Connected to the last annotation, Elizabeth Schuyler has played a very important role in shaping Hamilton’s career, supporting him and helping him get through situations that might have been hard to handle alone. Since he is aware of this, he wishes to give back and be the same support she was to him.
  21. Hamilton says, “Our operations will be expeditious, as well as our success certain,” talking about the events that will lead up to and the event Battle of Yorktown Hamilton firmly believed that this will end the war, thus writing to his wife in this tone throughout the whole letter.
  22. This refers to the Battle of Yorktown, the battle that led to victory for the colonies. As mentioned in a previous annotation, Hamilton told his wife confidential secrets regarding military matters.
  23. Hamilton once again reassures his wife that the end of the Revolutionary War is imminent, hinting at the Battle of Yorktown the colonists are preparing. He does this by repeating the fact that the couple doesn’t have to be separated anymore after November.
  24. Hamilton seems to make an analogy, comparing his wife to a deity. Hamilton says, “devoting myself wholly to you”. The word “devote” is primarily used in a religious context, which leads the readers to suggest that Hamilton is looking at his wife as a God, but more realistically someone he appreciates and respects wholeheartedly.
  25. Hamilton continues with the theme of religion in this sentence. Looking at most religions, the religious people often say that their God alone is enough. Similarly, Hamilton is saying that Elizabeth Schuyler alone is enough and he is not afraid of missing out on anything else if he is with her.
  26. Between October 10 and October 12, the French troops and the colonists opened batteries, aiming to reach closer to Yorktown, consuming a frigate and three larger transportation modes.

 

 

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  1. “Alexander Hamilton.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 June 2018,        en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton.
  2. “Alexander Hamilton.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 June 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton.
  3. ALEXANDER HAMILTON.(1804, 10). The Literary Magazine, and American Register (1803-1807), 2, 491.
  4. AN ORIGINAL LETTER OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON.(1804, 11). The Literary Magazine, and American Register (1803-1807), 2, 647.
  5. “Battle of Yorktown Begins.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/battle-of-yorktown-begins.
  6. “Chronology of the Siege of Yorktown.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, nps.gov/york/learn/historyculture/siegetimeline.htm.
  7. Connett, Ian. “Portrait of a Young Officer.” Dobbs Ferry Historical Society, May 2015, http://www.dobbsferryhistory.org/Ferryman_files/DFHSFerrymanSpring2015.pdf.
  8. Dohla, Johann Conrad. “‘Battle of Yorktown Begins.’ History.com, A&E Television Networks, Www.history.com/This-Day-in-History/Battle-of-Yorktown-Begins.” Yorktown, resourcelibrary.history.org/sites/default/files/PSCollectionYorktown_0.pdf.
  9. Florus, Wilhelm Heinrich. “Letter from Wlilhelm Heinrich Florus, Graf Von Schwerin, HIs Uncle.” Yorktown, resourcelibrary.history.org/sites/default/files/PSCollectionYorktown_0.pdf.
  10. “From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 July 1781],” Founders Online, National Archives, last modified June 13, 2018, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-02-02-1178. [Original source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 2, 1779–1781, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1961, pp. 647–648.]
  11. “From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [15–18 September 1781],” Founders Online, National Archives, last modified June 13, 2018, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-02-02-1196. [Original source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 2, 1779–1781, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1961, pp. 675–676.]
  12. “From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 10 October 1781,” Founders Online, National Archives, last modified June 13, 2018, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-02-02-1198. [Original source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 2, 1779–1781, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1961, p. 677.]
  13. Hamilton, A., & Hamilton, A. (2001). The Revolutionary Writings of Alexander Hamilton.
  14. Hamilton, A. (1817, 12). LETTER FROM ALEXANDER HAMILTON, ESQ. TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.The Port – Folio (1801-1827), 4, 469
  15. “[July 1781],” Founders Online, National Archives, last modified June 13, 2018, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/01-03-02-0007-0003. [Original source: The Diaries of George Washington, vol. 3, 1 January 1771–5 November 1781, ed. Donald Jackson. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1978, pp. 388–404.]
  16. Morgan, Curtis F. “Nathanael Greene as Quartermaster General.” Journal of the American Revolution, 28 Aug. 2016, allthingsliberty.com/2013/11/nathanael-greene-quartermaster-general/.
  17. “October 1781,” Founders Online, National Archives, last modified June 13, 2018, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/01-03-02-0007-0006. [Original source: The Diaries of George Washington, vol. 3, 1 January 1771–5 November 1781, ed. Donald Jackson. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1978, pp. 424–436.]
  18. “September 1781,” Founders Online, National Archives, last modified June 13, 2018, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/01-03-02-0007-0005. [Original source: The Diaries of George Washington, vol. 3, 1 January 1771–5 November 1781, ed. Donald Jackson. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1978, pp. 417–424.]
  19. “The American Revolution.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/revwar/revolution_day_by_day/1781_main.html.
  20. “Why Elizabeth Hamilton Is Deserving of a Musical of Her Own.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 25 Feb. 2016, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/why-elizabeth-hamilton-deserving-musical-her-own-180958214

Blog 3

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Blog 3

By Ye Jun Kim

picture: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melting_pot

After reading one of the “Singularity in Blue” posts about the musical Hamilton, I came to a better understanding of the little details Lin-Manuel Miranda decided to put in the musical that actually determine the purpose of the musical. The writer of the blog, Evelyna, stresses that never have racial minorities stepped into spotlight, and now that they are coming into spotlight, those watching are not very pleased. She also mentions that a lot of people end up fantasizing about the founding fathers after watching this musical, when the founding father were not people to be fantasized about, in terms of racial equality support.

Evelyna says that Hamilton, “Hamilton is not really about the founding fathers. It’s not really about the American Revolution. The revolution, and Hamilton’s life are the narrative subject,” and explains that the purpose of the musical is to accurately portray the characteristic of the nation, even though we know the founding fathers were all Caucasian. While technically, the majority of the nation has become minorities, Evelyna says this “majority” are pretty inconsequential to the nation’s history. One thing she said that i felt very relatable was that if you are a minority, “You learn about yourself as entirely shaped by outside forces,” which imply that not much impact on the nation’s history until a major event, like the Civil Rights Movement, appeared. Even when events like this rose to the surface, there were tons of opposing sides, talking about assimilation and getting over issues that denounce people of color as less than human beings like themselves.

People of color have ever been the main. Although we are nothing different from the white people, we are always treated differently and with less respect. To accurately show this nation’s composition, Lin-Manuel Miranda makes the important founding fathers people of color. Evenlyna says that, “Hamilton depicts the revolution of which America is proud as one led by people of colour against a white ruling body,” which was a lot like the fights for racial equality. This clearly explains that our fight is no different from the colonies breaking fighting for their rights against Britain during the Revolution.

This article reminds me of my rights as a human being and encourages me to not cut myself off as an outsider just because I am not an American born. America is a nation of the melting pot after all and I am part of that melting pot, therefore, proud to say that I am an American.

Blog 2

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above: Photo of the letters Alexander Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton

Photo source: https://www.gilderlehrman.org/content/hamilton%E2%80%99s-love-letter-day-december-14

Blog Entry 2

By: Ye Jun Kim

For my historical document, I chose the letters Alexander Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton in 1781. These letters were published on the National Archives webpage.

Personally, I am not a huge fan of learning history. With that being said, I read the documents and tried to pick one that I found most interesting, which at first was very hard because all of them are basically talking about history of the American Revolution. However, I came across the letters Alexander Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, and thought that I could work with this. These letters not only has historical facts, but they also have words of affirmation and longing towards Elizabeth Hamilton. I thought that this would be a nice addition to analyze along with the historical evidences.

I found it very interesting that Hamilton reveals his ardent and energetic personality even through the letters. However, the audience and reason would be completely different from when he is expressing his support for the American Revolution. Something I found that was different from what I have observed about him through the musical was his poetic and delicate side. In the middle of the letters, Hamilton seems to speak to Elizabeth, or “Betsy”, as if handling a very fragile puppy.

WIth this interesting point, I thought that it would be interesting to analyze literary devices used and connect that to the time period along with the historical facts regarding the Revolution. One challenge that I found from here is that it is really hard to find primary or secondary documents that explain the way people wrote the way they did. To overcome this obstacle, I might just find other documents around similar time periods and compare them to the letters that I chose.

To understand the documents, I think that understanding the timeline and the people involved are very important. In order to do so, I have found a timeline laid out according to the month and the year of the Revolution from the start to the finish. And while reading those timelines and the letter side by side, I would look up the people involved in the corresponding time periods and look to see if they have any primary or secondary documents associated with them.

As I go on in the research I personally think that I have chosen a rather difficult document to analyze, but I believe that this allowed me to look beyond just the Revolutionary war and just analyze the time period as a whole.

Blog 1 by Ye Jun Kim

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photo reference: hyperlinked to the picture

Blog Post 1

By Ye Jun Kim

As I have read and listened to thefirst act of the musical “Hamiltion”, especially listening to the scores, I noticed how the tone, word choice, and repetition of the characters affect the mood of the scene and the characteristics of those characters.

I could notice this the most with Hamilton, since he is the main character after all. In the beginning of the act, Hamilton seemed to be portrayed as a very ambitious man who cannot stay still. The lines “Just you wait” in Alexander Hamilton emphasizes and foreshadows to the fact the he does great things for this nation and he seems to proclaim that. He also appears to speak his mind in the song, “My Shot”. He is not afraid to speak to strangers about his belief of an independent nation, and even encourages them to “take a shot” with him and “rise up” and repeats those lines often throughout the song. These are only the beginning coupld of songs and even from this early on, we can see that he is a man of ambition and is proud to be himself.

Although being Hamilton’s ambitiousness contribute to the awareness of the seriousness of the nation’s independence, the people around him are often hurt, and you can tell that by the tone of the characters. In the song “That would be enough”, Eliza reveals that she is pregnant and Hamilton did not know about it until he came home. Although he doesn not directly express his fervent support for the war in this song, we can tell that Eliza was burdened enough by his amibitiousness that she was not able to promt him to come home. She says “I knew you would fight until the war was won” to show her understanding of his love for the country. Later on in the act, in the last song “Non Stop”, Eliza directly expresses that she is hurt by his blindness towards the family by saying “Helples..” and “Look around, isn’t this enough?”. In previous songs she repeats “look around” a lot, seeming to foreshadow how Hamilton fails to prioritize his importances.

The elements in the songs like the tone, word choice, and repetition, provide us clues to characteristics of the character, in most cases the main character, and either foreshadows or flashbacks to important events. Within a couple of songs, we were able to analyze Hamiltion’s aspiration for national independence, and how the people around him were affected by his belief.

Document Transcription: Hamilton to Eliza

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Letters from Hamilton to Eliza

Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton

Author: Alexander Hamilton

Date of Origin:

  • Letter 1 – July 10, 1781
  • Letter 8 – September 6, 1781
  • Letter 10 -October 10, 1781

Originally Found:

 

To Elizabeth Hamilton

[Camp near Dobbs Ferry, New York, July 10, 1781]

The day before yesterday, my angel, I arrived here, but for the want of an opportunity could not write you sooner. Indeed, I know of none now, but shall send this to the Quarter Master General to be forwarded by the first conveyance to the care of Col. Hughes.2 Finding when I came here that nothing was said on the subject of a command, I wrote the General a letter3 and enclosed him my commission. This morning Tilghman came to me in his name, pressed me to retain my commission, with an assurance that he would endeavor by all means to give me a command nearly such as I could have desired in the present circumstances of the army. Though I know my Betsy would be happy to hear I had rejected this proposal, it is a pleasure my reputation would not permit me to afford her. I consented to retain my commission and accept my command.

I hope my beloved Betsy will dismiss all apprehensions for my safety; unhappily for public affairs, there seems to be little prospect of activity, and if there should be Heaven will certainly be propitious to any attachment so tender, so genuine as ours. Heaven will restore me to the bosom of my love and permit me to enjoy with new relish the delights which are centred there. It costs me a great deal to be absent from them, but the privation is certainly only temporary. I impatiently long to hear from you the state of your mind since our painful separation. Be as happy as you can, I entreat you, my amiable, my beloved wife. But let not absence deprive me of the least particle of your affection. Always remember those tender proofs I have so frequently given you of mine and preserve for me unabated the only blessing which can make life of any value to me…

To Elizabeth Hamilton

Head of Elk, [Maryland] September 6, 1781.

Yesterday, my lovely wife, I wrote to you, inclosing you a letter in one to your father,1 to the care of Mr. Morris. To-morrow the post sets out, and to-morrow we embark for Yorktown. I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of writing you a few lines. Constantly uppermost in my thoughts and affections, I am happy only when my moments are devoted to some office that respects you. I would give the world to be able to tell you all I feel and all I wish, but consult your own heart and you will know mine. What a world will soon be between us! To support the idea, all my fortitude is insufficient. What must be the case with you, who have the most female of female hearts? I sink at the perspective of your distress, and I look to heaven to be your guardian and supporter. Circumstances that have just come to my knowledge, assure me that our operations will be expeditious, as well as our success certain. Early in November, as I promised you, we shall certainly meet. Cheer yourself with this idea, and with the assurance of never more being separated. Every day confirms me in the intention of renouncing public life, and devoting myself wholly to you. Let others waste their time and their tranquillity in a vain pursuit of power and glory; be it my object to be happy in a quiet retreat with my better angel.

A Hamilton

To Elizabeth Hamilton

[Camp before Yorktown, Virginia, October 10, 1781. On October 12, 1781, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton: “I wrote you two days since.” Letter not found.]

 

Intro Post

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Hi everyone, My name is Ye Jun Kim, and I am a Computational Media major, anticipating to graduate in 2021. I am taking this course online, but I am still at Tech! I am taking CS 1331 right now, along with this class, so I live near campus.

I actually took English 1101 with Dr. Wilson Fall semester. The theme during that class was play, so I was able to explore different kinds of play and how we can communiate with these forms of play.

My favorite kind of communicaton is visual. I really like drawing and looking at art pieces and how emotion is conveyed through those artworks.

As i have said in one of my tweets, I am a first generation immigrant. I came to America when I was in third grade, so I can speak English well enough to communicate, but I struggle with communicating effectively. I hope to improve this kind of communication as I progress throughout the course.

I don’t really have a direct experience with the course, but I think I’ve heard a couple of the songs while shuffling through youtube a long time ago. I really like musicals because I enjoy listening to music and the songs having to tell a story. I don’t know about showtunes, but I enjoy listening to movie soundtracks and I guess they can be similar in a way that they music enhaces the story.

I’m not a very big fan of hip-hop, but I really like Chance the Rapper, and music similar to his style of music. I usually listen to modern jazz or indie music, and now days, there are a lot of modern jazz songs featuring rappers, which is really cool and interesting to listen to.

The picture above is an artwork done by my favorite artist, Seonglib. It is a drawing of a couple kissing.