Hamilton - Aaron Burr, Sir / My Shot (Original Cast 2016 - Live)

Bookstudy

27 Mar 202108:12

Summary

TLDRThe script features Alexander Hamilton meeting Aaron Burr in 1776 New York City, eager to seek advice on fast-tracking his education and joining the revolution. They encounter John Laurens, Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan, who are all fired up about the impending revolution. Hamilton delivers a passionate declaration of ambition, emphasizing his determination to rise above his humble origins. With themes of youthful rebellion, ambition, and revolution, the scene captures their desire for independence, equality, and personal freedom, as Hamilton vows he will not 'throw away his shot.'

Takeaways

😀 Alexander Hamilton introduces himself to Aaron Burr and expresses admiration for Burr's academic achievements.
😟 Hamilton confesses that he punched the bursar, seeking an accelerated study at Princeton.
🧐 Burr shares that he graduated quickly due to his parents' dying wish, and Hamilton connects with him as both are orphans.
💡 Burr advises Hamilton to 'talk less' and 'smile more' to avoid making enemies and getting ahead.
🥳 John Laurens, Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan join in, introducing themselves as fellow revolutionaries.
🎉 They each share their revolutionary goals, with Lafayette advocating for the end of monarchy, and Mulligan highlighting his role as a tailor and a revolutionary.
💥 Hamilton declares his ambition, revealing his hunger for change and his determination to prove himself in the upcoming revolution.
⚡ Hamilton and his new group express their collective desire for freedom from British rule and the formation of an independent nation.
🔥 Hamilton's famous mantra, 'I am not throwing away my shot,' reflects his unyielding ambition to seize every opportunity to make history.
🕊 The song concludes with a call to rise up, fight for independence, and secure a future for the next generation.

Q & A

Who are the main characters introduced at the beginning of the transcript?
-The main characters introduced at the beginning are Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.
What is the first interaction between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr?
-Hamilton introduces himself to Burr and explains that he has been looking for him after hearing his name at Princeton.
Why does Hamilton say he punched the bursar at Princeton?
-Hamilton says he punched the bursar because he got into a disagreement with a buddy of Burr's while seeking an accelerated course of study.
What advice does Aaron Burr give to Alexander Hamilton during their conversation?
-Aaron Burr advises Hamilton to 'talk less' and 'smile more,' warning him not to let people know what he stands for.
How does Hamilton feel about Burr’s advice to 'talk less and smile more'?
-Hamilton is skeptical and dismissive of Burr's advice, expressing that he doesn't take it seriously.
Who interrupts Hamilton and Burr’s conversation with the phrase 'Showtime!'?
-John Laurens interrupts the conversation with the phrase 'Showtime!' and introduces himself as a revolutionary fighter.
What does Lafayette say about the monarchy in his introduction?
-Lafayette expresses his desire for life without a monarchy and believes that unrest in France will lead to anarchy.
What is Hercules Mulligan’s role, and how does he introduce himself?
-Hercules Mulligan is a tailor's apprentice, and he introduces himself by emphasizing his desire to join the rebellion and socially advance instead of sewing pants.
What is the significance of the repeated phrase 'I am not throwing away my shot'?
-The phrase 'I am not throwing away my shot' reflects Hamilton’s determination to seize every opportunity and make a name for himself, despite the challenges he faces.
How does Hamilton reflect on the potential consequences of winning independence in the final part of the transcript?
-Hamilton contemplates whether the bloodshed of the revolution will guarantee freedom for future generations or lead to an endless cycle of vengeance and death.

Outlines

00:00

🎭 Introductions and Aspirations

The script begins with a conversation between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, where Hamilton introduces himself and expresses his admiration for Burr's academic achievements. Hamilton is eager to join the revolution and seeks Burr's advice on how to graduate quickly and make a difference. The scene then shifts to a lively gathering where John Laurens, Lafayette, and Mulligan join in the revelry, each character expressing their enthusiasm for the revolution and their personal motivations for joining it. The characters engage in playful banter, with Laurens boasting about his readiness for battle and Lafayette and Mulligan showcasing their unique personalities. The theme of seizing opportunities and the desire to prove oneself despite the odds is prominent throughout the paragraph.

05:02

🚀 Revolutionary Zeal and Dreams

The second paragraph continues the narrative of the revolutionaries' fervor, with each character expressing their commitment to the cause. Hamilton reflects on his mortality and the urgency of the moment, contemplating the future and the legacy they are fighting for. The characters rally around the idea of taking action, with Hamilton emphasizing the need for strategic planning and financial management alongside the fight for independence. The paragraph culminates in a collective chant of 'Rise up!', symbolizing the united front of the revolutionaries and their determination to fight for freedom and change. The theme of youthful energy, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future is central to this section.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Revolution

The concept of 'Revolution' is central to the video, referring to the American Revolution, a historical event where the American colonies fought for independence from Britain. The characters in the script, including Hamilton, Burr, and their peers, express a desire to prove their worth through participation in this upheaval. It symbolizes their hope for personal and political change, as seen in lines like 'Then we could prove that we're worth more than anyone bargained for' and 'There will be a revolution in this century.'

💡Orphan

The term 'Orphan' reflects both Alexander Hamilton's personal history and his emotional drive. In the script, Hamilton and Burr bond over the fact that they are orphans, with Hamilton stating 'Of course! I'm an orphan.' This shared background serves as a motivator for Hamilton, fueling his ambition to rise above his circumstances and make a name for himself through hard work and intelligence.

💡King’s College

'King’s College' is a reference to the institution now known as Columbia University, where Alexander Hamilton studied. Hamilton mentions wanting to 'get a scholarship to King's College' and expresses his pride in his academic achievements, which highlights his intelligence and ambition. The college symbolizes both an educational opportunity and a stepping stone in his rise to prominence.

💡Shot

The word 'Shot' carries both literal and metaphorical meanings in the script. It refers to taking a risk or seizing an opportunity, as Hamilton repeatedly sings 'I am not throwing away my shot,' which reflects his determination to make the most of his chances in life. The word also has a literal connotation related to the violent and militaristic context of the revolution, where people literally fire shots in battle.

💡Princeton

'Princeton' refers to Princeton University, where Hamilton encounters Burr. In the script, Hamilton mentions trying to pursue an 'accelerated course of study' there, but his aggressive behavior (punching the bursar) prevented him from succeeding. This interaction showcases Hamilton's impulsive nature and his relentless drive for advancement.

💡Manumission

'Manumission' refers to the act of freeing slaves, which is mentioned in the line 'A bunch of revolutionary manumission abolitionists.' It underscores the abolitionist ideals held by some of the revolutionaries, including John Laurens, who advocated for the freedom of enslaved people as part of the broader revolutionary movement. This word ties into the broader themes of liberty and justice in the script.

💡Laurens

John Laurens is one of Hamilton’s allies and a key figure in the American Revolution, known for his anti-slavery stance. In the script, Laurens introduces himself during a rap battle-like scene with the line 'I'm John Laurens in the place to be!' His character is presented as a passionate revolutionary who also fights for the rights of enslaved people, as seen in his line 'But we'll never be truly free until those in bondage have the same rights as you and me.'

💡Bursar

The 'Bursar' is a university official responsible for managing financial affairs. In the script, Hamilton humorously recalls how he 'may have punched' the bursar at Princeton, reflecting both his impulsive behavior and his desperation to accelerate his education and join the revolution. This incident is an example of Hamilton’s intense ambition and willingness to challenge authority.

💡Lafayette

Marquis de Lafayette is introduced as a charismatic French ally in the American Revolution. His introduction in the script, 'Oui oui, mon ami, je m'appelle Lafayette,' emphasizes his French origins and his support for the American cause. Lafayette represents international support for the revolution and is portrayed as a skilled and confident revolutionary leader, symbolizing the broader international dimensions of the fight for independence.

💡Rise up

The phrase 'Rise up' serves as a rallying cry for the characters in the script, symbolizing both literal rebellion and the figurative rise of individuals from obscurity and oppression. Characters like Hamilton, Laurens, and Lafayette call on their peers to 'rise up' and take action in the face of British oppression. This phrase underscores the revolutionary spirit and the determination of the characters to achieve freedom and self-determination.

Highlights

Alexander Hamilton introduces himself to Aaron Burr, marking the start of their relationship.

Hamilton reveals his ambition to accelerate his studies and join the revolution, showing his early drive.

Burr offers Hamilton advice to 'talk less, smile more,' showcasing Burr's cautious approach to politics.

John Laurens, Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan join Hamilton, introducing key revolutionary figures.

Hamilton declares his determination to not throw away his shot, revealing his tenacity and ambition.

Lafayette talks about the unrest in France and dreams of a life without monarchy.

Hercules Mulligan describes how he sees the rebellion as his opportunity to advance in society.

John Laurens advocates for the end of slavery, highlighting the early revolutionary ideals of equality.

Hamilton's enthusiasm for the revolution builds as he discusses revolutionary ideas with his friends.

Hamilton mentions his desire to make his friends proud, showing his need for camaraderie.

Burr warns that talking too much in the revolutionary environment can be dangerous.

Hamilton expresses his deep contemplation about death, showcasing his fearlessness and sense of urgency.

Hamilton questions whether their revolutionary actions will truly bring freedom for future generations.

The group considers the financial future of the nation, reflecting early concerns about America's governance.

The song culminates with a powerful declaration of determination and the resolve to 'rise up' for the revolution.