Palaces Out Of Paragraphs

English 1102: Hamilton and Writing

A Reflection of Ben Franklin’s Song Remix

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By: Zac Frederick

(^not the Franklin adaptation I decided to go with unfortunately)

For my remix an adaptation project, my design was to rewrite “Ben Franklin’s Song” in order to portray a different side of the famous character. To me this was a fun way to look at and research more about Ben Franklin’s life, and I found out a lot that I wouldn’t have known prior to this project. With this goal, a good portion of the project was doing actual research into the life of Benjamin Franklin. While the original provides a basic idea and understanding of his most notable achievements, I wanted to take a look at some of the qualities and traits not typically related to the man.

I received excellent feedback from my peer reviewer. I was very happy with the lyrics that I had come up with following my research, and many of the suggestions were to look at the formatting and presentation of the project. I could not have agreed more that a more professional and functional look was needed, and my reviewer even suggested that I use a line numbering system, something I never thought to do! In addition, he suggested other things such as cleaning up the source list and fixing spacing issues where possible, each very useful in preparing the final form of the project.

One difficulty I faced when preparing the lyrical content of the presentation of the piece was being able to condense complex topics and ideas into simple words and phrases as required by song lyrics. I found Ben Franklin’s life to be incredibly fascinating, and so naturally there were so many aspects I wanted to put into a song about him. For me it really has been eye opening as to how skilled one has to be in order to be able to relate deep meaning in a few syllables, but I enjoyed making an effort to this notion.

Blog 5: An Analysis of “Wait for It” from the Hamilton Mixtape

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By: Zac Frederick

When I listened to “Wait for It” from the Hamilton Mixtape, a remix by famous music artist Usher of the original “Wait For It” from the Hamilton Soundtrack, I was at first struck by how similar the two songs appear to be. To me, they both seemed to have similar sounding styles, and both are sung with the same rhythms and notes. Even the words are almost identical at nearly every part of the song, save a verse or two. However, another listen helped to point out some of the key differences of the original and the remix.

First and most notably, it is Usher who sings the song, and not Aaron Burr, the character who recites the song in the play. Usher has a different style for the song, a more pop-sounding style, which is also reflected in the music number as well. Usher gives the song a remix that listeners would be more familiar with having no context of the surrounding play of Hamilton. This difference is similar in this sense with one that is found later in the song. While the play version takes the third verse to direct the song at Hamilton’s personality and character saying that he “doesn’t hesitate [and] exhibits no restraint,” Usher’s remix leaves this bit out, opting to simply repeat the previous chorus. While this is a smaller detail in reality, it does point to the notion that Usher is generalizing the song to a broader audience. He doesn’t want to limit the song specifically to those who are familiar with Hamilton, and by leaving this out Usher allows the song to become more relatable to the general listener. The song distances itself from the plot of the show, and becomes more of a general lesson as a whole. In this sense, the song looses a significant asset when evaluating its importance.

Remix and Adaptation Project

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By: Zac Frederick

While looking at the storyline of Hamilton as we dealt with extensively over the previous weeks, I have really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters, and in the process how they portray the historical figures they represent. While the play does an incredible job of examining what was accomplished, most fascinating to me usually is who was actually doing each of the actions. With this in mind, when we looked at each of the “Hamildrops” in class that have been released thus far, one in particular stood out to me as incredibly interesting: Ben Franklin’s Song. I really like the idea of taking everything that we already know about the period and adding yet one more perspective on top of it all – arguably a perspective of incredible importance to the historical account. This song piqued my interest and so for my remix project I plan to create a remix of Ben Franklin’s song. For the remix I’ll look at other aspects of his life, and detail some of the other interesting portions not covered in his Hamildrop piece. Among other topics, I’ll include aspects of his self improvement plan, how he was an alleged “womanizer” and also his arrogant demeanor. I really do enjoy studying about the historical characters themselves, so my remix will focus on this aspect, while also stealing some key lines from the original Ben Franklin’s Song itself. I don’t plan on recording any type of production piece, as that would require a skill set that is far beyond anything I possess currently. In addition, I don’t believe anyone would enjoy hearing me behind a microphone in any fashion. Instead, I’ll be re-writing and adapting the lyrics of the song and the final piece will be comparable to the original in style, tone, and scheme, but will differ in actual content included. One challenge I anticipate is making sure that everything fits the rhyme scheme in a way that both flows properly, and that also actually includes meaningful content, however I’m excited to get started on this entertaining project!

Blog 4: My Writing Process

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By: Zac Frederick

In high school, I participated as a member of our debate team for four years. For me, this experience shaped the way in which I write more than any other factor. Each and every month the team was given a new topic to debate, and the extensive research that followed was all in the effort of proving or disproving a specific idea. Every research article, factoid, argument, and opinion each had to relate back to the given argument in that sense. Because of this, the way that I tackle the writing process usually follows this pattern. I usually will begin with a broad argument that I wish to prove, and the entirety of my efforts from then on go towards the betterment of that original argument. My process continues with research, usually in an online database or something of that nature, and I compile bits of pieces of information I believe will be useful into a document of some sort. Following this, I organize the completed compiling of information into various contingencies of the original argument, and only then does the actual writing process begin.

This process has worked for me for all of my years of high school and college thus far. Of course, no method is perfect. One major downside to my method of beginning with an idea first and supporting that hypothesis throughout the entirety of my research is that this leaves very little room for fluctuation from the initial argument. Very rarely, if ever, does my initial argument deviate from what I claim at the start. Each and every point I discover I either use, as it supports my argument, or I discard, as it doesn’t quite fit. While this has worked for me, the unavailability to develop a new argument from all the data received is could be considered as somewhat of a disadvantage, but keeping in mind that initial perceptions aren’t always 100% accurate is how I can learn from analysis.

Historical Annotation Project: Washington’s Farewell Address

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By: Zac Frederick

Title: George Washington’s Farewell Address

Author: George Washington

Date of Origin: September 19, 1796

The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the Office to which your Suffrages have twice called me,[1] have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire.[2] I constantly hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power,[3] consistently with motives, which I was not at liberty to disregard,[4] to return to that retirement, from which I had been reluctantly drawn.[5]

…

The alternate domination of one faction over another,[6] sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissention,[7] which in different ages & countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism.[8] But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism.[9] The disorders & miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security & repose in the absolute power of an Individual:[10] and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction more able or more fortunate than his competitors,[11] turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.[12]

…

In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential than that permanent inveterate antipathies against particular Nations and passionate attachments for others should be excluded;[13] and that in place of them just & amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated.[14] The Nation, which indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave.[15] It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest.[16] Antipathy in one Nation against another–disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur.[17] Hence frequent collisions, obstinate envenomed and bloody contests. The Nation, prompted by ill will & resentment sometimes impels to War the Government, contrary to the best calculations of policy.[18] The Government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject;[19] at other times, it makes the animosity of the Nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition and other sinister & pernicious motives.[20] The peace often, sometimes perhaps the Liberty, of Nations has been the victim.[21]

…

‘Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent Alliances, with any portion of the foreign World–[22]So far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it–for let me not be understood as capable of patronising infidelity to existing engagements,[23] (I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy)–[24]I repeat it therefore, Let those engagements. be observed in their genuine sense.[25] But in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.[26]

[Read more…]

Blog 3: An Analysis of King George

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By: Zac Frederick

For this blog I’ve decided to take a closer look at each King George’s three songs “You’ll Be Back,” “What Comes Next?” and “I Know Him” and how each, though sung to the same tune, conveys a different meaning overall.

In “You’ll Be Back,” King George offers the colonists the message that their little rebellion will fail, and warns them in an emotional manner not to betray his love for them. While initially a seemingly romantic account of their relationship, he contrasts this notion both in the song and in reality by “send[ing] a fully armed battalion” to remind the colonists of his love. How beautiful.

“What Comes Next?” gives King George the opportunity to berate the Americans once again by telling them that they will fail a second time. This song depicts yet another emotional response to the situation across the pond, as he spats “You’re on your own / Awesome. Wow” and allows George to retain his position of power, as he is assured that the new country is destined to fail.

“I Know Him” depicts a shift in both the message and position of King George. No longer is George in any position to criticize with the upper hand, as he becomes the weaker party “perplexed” by how Washington is simply going to step down. Of course, he still believes that the Americans are destined to fail, but it is worth arguing that his credibility as an evaluator of the situation is in a way completely irrelevant. Any rational arguments he had in the first two songs have been reduced to bitter bickering from a behind the times king who himself admits that he “wasn’t aware that was something a person could do.” His relevancy and grip on the Americas – be that through military might or fear of failure – no longer exists and thus his necessity, even as a narrator, becomes nonexistent.

Thus, it becomes necessary for King George’s departure, so as it happens in the play.

Blog 2: Washington’s Farewell Address Introduction

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By: Zac Frederick

For my historical analysis project, I have chosen to analyze Washington’s Farewell Address given following his departure as America’s first president. The piece was written and published in 1796 by George Washington, and from my preliminary research he was also assisted by Alexander Hamilton in the creation of the piece. Though the nature of the content is an address to the American people, it was not given as a speech, but rather it was published in the newspapers as publication.

One thing that drew me to the document is the nature of the piece as a political strategy recommendation. Though it is somewhat lengthy at a glance, the ideas Washington describes are very well summarized. I’m sure many of these recommendations could be discussed by a man of Washington’s intellect for literal days, however I was intrigued to see that this address offers a “short and sweet” version of what Washington believes will be very relevant advice over the coming decades of American history.

Within the document Washington offers about four main warnings to the American people, and a good understanding of each warming requires individual research regarding both the context and the rationale of each. This will involve a simultaneous approach to each facet, and each component will come together in the actual annotations. The first steps of research (including figuring out what the four warnings actually are) are in process, and once a general idea of the document is obtained I will be able to dig deeper in the more of the specifics.

One challenge I have found so far is being able to identify credible and varying sources. Whereas a simple Google search is often the first step to research, this does not give you every source you will end up using for your project. While it might yield a good bit of knowledge, a good majority of these sources have questionable credibility! Of course, the first step is realizing all of this, and now that I know this I am more willing to dig deeper – all in the name of Hamilton!

 

Blog 1: The Role of Historical Accuracy and Point of View

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By: Zachary Frederick

For my discussion of the writing element of first act of Hamilton, I will be looking at two different aspects: some of the creative liberties taken when recounting history, and how one’s point of view dramatically changes how history is remembered.

First, one of the most important considerations in the writing of a “historical” piece such as Hamilton is how accurate the story adheres to events and details that actually transpired. So far, the show has done an exceptional job in combining significant research into the historical accuracy of the piece, and has left little room for debate regarding any “major” errors – there simply aren’t any. However, the show cannot be perfect. Some elements of history must be altered in order to be effective in keeping the shows nature as a play. For example, several times in the first act viewers might recognize that what the song depicts might be a very rapid recounting of a succession of events that could have taken even months to come to fruition. This is notable in songs such as “Aaron Burr Sir,” where we meet Burr as well as most of Hamilton’s friends. Obviously this series of events did not take place in such a rapid succession, however for convenience sake the play understandably can be lenient in historical scrutiny during instances such as these.

Second, I enjoy how the play explores the idea that history changes depending on who is giving the account. In “Helpless” as Eliza recounts the beginnings of her relationship with Hamilton, the story is told as dreamy, romantic, and almost fairy-tale like as Hamilton and Eliza fall in love and get married. Everything is given a picturesque filter, even joking about the clearly evident jealousy of Angelica. However, Angelica’s point of view in “Satisfied” tells a completely different story of the same events. This recollection confesses Angelica’s love for Hamilton, and her conscious decision to reject her own feelings and give Hamilton up to marry her sister. Whereas Eliza only knows how she so “helplessly” fell in love with Hamilton, Angelica’s story gives insight to a selfless narrative we would not have been privy to having evaluated the situation from one point of view only.

Document Transcription: Washington’s Farewell Address

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By: Zac Frederick

Title: George Washington’s Farewell Address

Author: George Washington

Date of Origin: September 19, 1796

[5] The acceptance of, & continuance hitherto in, the Office to which your Suffrages have twice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives, which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement, from which I had been reluctantly drawn.

…

[27] The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissention, which in different ages & countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders & miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security & repose in the absolute power of an Individual: and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.

…

[37] In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential than that permanent inveterate antipathies against particular Nations and passionate attachments for others should be excluded; and that in place of them just & amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The Nation, which indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one Nation against another–disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent collisions, obstinate envenomed and bloody contests. The Nation, prompted by ill will & resentment sometimes impels to War the Government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The Government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject; at other times, it makes the animosity of the Nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition and other sinister & pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the Liberty, of Nations has been the victim.

…

[45] ‘Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent Alliances, with any portion of the foreign World–So far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it–for let me not be understood as capable of patronising infidility to existing engagements, (I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy)–I repeat it therefore, Let those engagements. be observed in their genuine sense. But in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.

Source: https://context.montpelier.org/document/715#passage-37 (ConText Database)

Zac Frederick Introductory Post

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By: Zac Frederick

Hi everyone! My name is Zac Frederick, and I am very excited to be a part of this English 1102 course. I am a business major and have just completed my first year here at Tech in May. My four-year graduation would be in 2021, however (hence the summer courses) I am hoping that I can bump that forward maybe a semester or two! I am in the online section of the course, however I am still here in Atlanta, and am also taking in-class courses at Tech every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In addition, I am fortunate enough to have landed an internship this summer, and have scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays for that effort.

In high school I would say that English courses were probably my least favorite area of study. The content was far too broad for my liking, and I never felt that my efforts would ever yield a knowledge that I saw as valuable. However, when I came to Tech I realized that English was taught differently from a standard English curriculum, in that classes focused on a specific study, and you could become proficient in one or a set of ideas. My 1101 course studied the effect noise, music, and our overall soundscape has on every aspect of our lives, and I really feel like I got something out of the course that I had not yet experienced with English thus far.

For this reason, I was very excited when I learned we would be taking an in-depth look at Hamilton over this summer semester. Coming from knowing almost nothing about the play that has created such a craze across the nation over the previous few years, it is understandably somewhat intimidating of a position; however, I am glad to be introduced to the subject in an English course setting. I really enjoyed our AP U.S. History study of this time period, but I feel like we glossed over such an important time period, one that I would very much desire to learn more about. In addition, I am not really well-versed (or desire to be) in musicals, but I am happy to make an exception for one that is held in such high esteem.

Here’s a picture of my greatest life accomplishment, me accidentally killing a bird with a golf ball at the driving range!