Part I/ A– Read the lyrics “Alexander Hamilton” — the opening song to the musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda. What do you learn about Alexander Hamilton? Who was he? What motivated him? How would you describe his character?
What words are repeated? What is the effect of the repetition? Why the repetition? Comment on use of poetic devices, use of language that creates a rhythm, makes an impact– rhyme, alliteration, metaphor . . . Give specific examples.
Discuss any use of words that strike you as memorable, unusual, compelling, especially effective.
Part I/ BHow would you apply ideas from this reading to writing well-developed song lyrics that tell a story (writing you will begin writing soon!) ? You will be using the song “Alexander Hamilton” as a guideline to begin composing your lyrics. What makes “Alexander Hamilton” a compelling song? what about the story and the way it is told reach an audience? So what does this suggest you will need to do to write your lyrics? Note specific elements of the form that bring out the content. You may also want to comment on listening to the song– the music that accompanies the lyrics.
Part II– Identify focus of the song “My Shot”– it’s main idea/message and any secondary ideas/messages.What do you learn about Alexander Hamilton? His goals? ambitions? What motivated him? How would you describe his character?
What comparison does he make between himself and his new country?What do you learn about this new nation America and what the nation is seeking and needs? How does “My Shot” refer to both Hamilton and the new nation/ America?
Comment on any humor you notice. What words are repeated? What is the effect of the repetition? Why the repetition?
APA