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Lesson 6

We will compare Alexander Hamilton with his dramatic foil in the musical, Aaron Burr, by closely reading and analyzing the songs “Aaron Burr, Sir,” “My Shot,” “Wait For It,” “Dear Theodosia,” and “Non-Stop.” We will also prepare to debate Burr’s and Hamilton’s perspectives.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I compare the characters of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton?

  • Can I analyze Alexander Hamilton by studying the differences between him and Aaron Burr?

  • Can I use language and strategies to accomplish my intended purpose in communicating?

  • Can I generate and develop ideas, positions, products, and solutions to problems?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • Hamilton: The Revolution, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter, Grand Central, 2016

Optional

  • Digital Access
    • “Hamilton in Real Life — My Shot and Aaron Burr, Sir,” Lin-Manuel Miranda, YouTube, August 26, 2016

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: View

We will rewatch the songs “Aaron Burr, Sir,” “My Shot,” “Wait For It,” “Dear Theodosia,” and “Non Stop” from the filmed stage production of Hamilton.

Rewatch the scenes for the songs "Aaron Burr, Sir," "My Shot," "Wait for It," "Dear Theodosia," and "Non-Stop" from the filmed stage production of Hamilton.

While rewatching, add any additional observations, thoughts, and questions to your Act 1Notice and Wonder Note-Taking Tool

Activity 2: Read

We will closely read the songs “Aaron Burr, Sir,” “My Shot,” “Wait For It,” “Dear Theodosia,” and “Non Stop.”

Find your Act I Notice and Wonder Note-Taking Tool and review what you wrote down for the songs "Aaron Burr, Sir," "My Shot," "Wait for It," "Dear Theodosia," and "Non-Stop." Use the Comparison Organizational Frame for this activity. With a partner, read through these songs with the purpose of comparing Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.

Points of Comparison:

  • Write your observations about ways in which Hamilton (Side A) and Burr (Side B) are similar or different.

Summarize What You Know:

  • Write what you know about each of these men based on the songs listed above.

Similarities Between A & B:

  • What is similar about Burr and Hamilton for each point of comparison?

Differences Between A & B:

  • What is different between Burr and Hamilton for each point of comparison?

Comparative Observations:

  • What do you learn about Hamilton based on his similarities with Burr?

  • What do you learn about Hamilton based on his differences with Burr?

Comparative Conclusion:

  • Summarize the similarities and differences between these two men to write a concluding thesis statement.

After completing the tool with your partner, get together with another pair and discuss your evidence and inferences.

Share your thoughts and evidence as a class.

Activity 3: Discuss

We will prepare to debate Hamilton’s and Burr’s points of view.

As a class, you will debate Hamilton’s point of view versus Burr’s.

Draw a name out of the container. The name you draw is who you will be arguing for: Hamilton or Burr.

After drawing your name, get into a group with other students who will be arguing the same perspective. Choose a facilitator, note-taker, and time-keeper.

In your group, discuss your character’s claim.

  • Hamilton Claim: I am not throwing away my shot.

  • Burr Claim: I’m willing to wait for it.

Do the following:

  • Find evidence (in the musical, in your life, in the news) that supports your character’s claim.

  • Come up with logical reasons for why your character’s claim is the correct claim.

  • Find evidence that refutes the other character’s claim.

  • Come up with reasons to refute the other character’s claim.