Amy Holbrook words across 2.5 hours ( Debczak 2015 ). Metaphors are used to allow the audience to quickly appreciate what is happening in language that is widely accepted , as well as being there to provide a sophisticated and poetic way of portraying a situation in a musical that has gone on to revolutionise the way musicals are considered worldwide .
Overview Hamilton is a fast paced musical that instantaneously submerges its audience into the story as the opening song – ‘ Alexander Hamilton ’ – is a 3 minute 56 second summary that provides a brief overview of Hamilton ’ s life up until the point of meeting him in the musical . Attention is drawn to his father ’ s departure , his mother ’ s death , his troubled upbringing , and previous accolades , positioning him as a determined and hardworking individual from the onset . The audience is also introduced to key characters in enough detail to be placed in the middle of what was a very transformative time for America without feeling too lost , but with enough blanks to fill out the story that unfolds thereafter . The first act follows Hamilton completing his studies , meeting likeminded individuals wanting to spearhead the American revolution and climbing through the ranks of the military as they fight for freedom from the British Empire . The audience also meets Hamilton ’ s wife and her family , and eventually sees him adopt the role of right-hand man to George Washington at the point of independence . The second act focuses on America post-independence and in the formative years
42 of their newly founded government . New characters are introduced , Hamilton becomes the first secretary of the treasury and a father to several children , cheats on his wife , and is depicted generally as a ‘ non-stop ’ work hungry individual . Themes of jealousy , adultery , and death are prevalent as the audience is faced with both Hamilton and his son ’ s murders in quick succession .
Overarching themes of war , freedom , and liberty are used throughout to denote many different contexts in both Hamilton ’ s personal and professional lives and metaphors are plentiful as a result . In the end it is not abundantly clear if Hamilton was a good person or not , and the audience is left wondering if judgements to his character matter when his influence for the greater good of the country was largely positive , and he is still renowned as being ‘ the ten dollar founding father ’.
Literature Review So this is what it feels like to match wits With someone at your level ! what the hell is the catch ? It ’ s the feeling of freedom , of seeing the light It ’ s Ben Franklin with a key and a kite You see it right ?
‘ Satisfied ’, Hamilton The stylistic framework of metaphor is one that is loaded with definitions , with many academics suggesting how frequently metaphors are used in conversation , literature , politics and the press to name