Hamilton's Early Life and Characters Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What did you learn about Hamilton’s early life?

Hamilton's early life was marked by hardship, ambition, and a desire to rise above his circumstances.

Compare Burr and Hamilton. What is Burr’s advice to Hamilton and how does Hamilton respond?

Burr advises Hamilton to wait and be strategic, while Hamilton is more impulsive and eager to take action.

What does Alexander Hamilton mean when he says repeatedly, 'I'm not throwin' away my shot!'?

He emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities to advance his goals.

Pick one of the two following lines Angelica sings and explain what you think it means: 'You want a revolution? I want a revelation!'

This line suggests a desire for not just change, but a deeper understanding or breakthrough regarding societal issues. Signup and view all the answers

Pick one of the two following lines Angelica sings and explain what you think it means: 'And when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’m a’ compel him to include women in the sequel!'

This line indicates Angelica's desire for women's voices to be recognized in history. Signup and view all the answers

Compare King George’s appearance and behavior with the lyrics to his song 'You’ll Be Back'.

King George appears regal and confident, yet his lyrics are sarcastic and condescending, reflecting his control over the colonies. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the writer/director used this juxtaposition of King George’s appearance and behavior?

It emphasizes the irony of a powerful ruler underestimating the resolve of the colonies. Signup and view all the answers

Is the war going well for General Washington? Use details from the previous song to support your answer.

The war is not going well; Washington faces numerous challenges and obstacles, as indicated by the tone of the previous song. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Hamilton hesitant to accept the offer to be Washington’s right-hand man?

Hamilton is concerned about the responsibilities and the weight of expectations that come with the role. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three fundamental truths that Angelica remembers as she's giving the toast at Eliza’s wedding?

<ol> <li>Knowledge is power. 2. Love can lead to sacrifice. 3. Family loyalty is paramount.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What does this say about Angelica's character?

Angelica is intelligent, self-aware, and prioritizes her family's well-being despite her own desires. Signup and view all the answers

What is Burr willing to wait for and how does this compare to Hamilton?

Burr is willing to wait for the right moment to act, contrasting with Hamilton's urgency. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early Life of Hamilton

Hamilton faced challenges in his upbringing, including a tumultuous family background.
He was ambitious and determined, seeking opportunities to rise above his circumstances.
Key relationships with figures such as Laurens, Lafayette, and Mulligan shaped his early experiences in America.

Burr vs. Hamilton

Burr advises Hamilton to be more cautious and to consider the consequences of his actions.
Hamilton's response reflects his bold and assertive nature, pushing back against Burr's cautiousness.
“I’m not throwin' away my shot!” signifies Hamilton's resolve to seize opportunities and pursue his ambitions without reservation.

Angelica's Lyrics

“You want a revolution? I want a revelation!” indicates a desire for change and enlightenment concerning societal issues.
“And when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’m a’ compel him to include women in the sequel!” represents Angelica's forward-thinking attitude about gender inclusion and equality.

King George's Presentation

King George combines flamboyant appearance and authoritative behavior with ironic and humorous lyrics in “You’ll Be Back.”
The juxtaposition highlights the absurdity of his perspective on loyalty and power dynamics between Britain and the colonies.

Washington's War Progress

Washington is struggling in the war, as indicated by his frustrations and struggles in previous interactions.
The challenges faced by his troops and the need for strategic tactics underscore the difficulties during this period.

Hamilton’s Hesitance

Hamilton hesitates to accept the role as Washington’s right-hand man due to uncertainty about his abilities and the gravity of responsibility.

Angelica’s Reflections

Angelica recalls three fundamental truths during her toast: loyalty, sacrifice, and love, showing her deep introspection and emotional connection.
This highlights Angelica's complexity, as she balances personal feelings with familial duty and societal expectations.

Burr’s Patience

Burr's willingness to wait contrasts sharply with Hamilton’s relentless drive for immediate action and impact.
The differences in their approaches symbolize broader themes of ambition, ambition’s cost, and the nature of leadership.

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Description

Explore the early life of Alexander Hamilton through this quiz, which includes questions about the characters Burr and Hamilton. Reflect on the advice given by Burr and analyze the interactions of key figures such as Laurens and the Schuyler sisters. Test your understanding of the musical's narrative.