Section 3: Overview

Hamilton’s Relationships

We will continue to explore how Lin-Manuel Miranda interpreted primary and secondary sources to create Hamilton: An American Musical. Through analysis of selected songs and related primary and secondary sources, we will deepen our understanding about Alexander Hamilton and how Miranda interpreted primary and secondary sources to portray Hamilton’s relationships.

• Lesson 1:

  We will review the Central Question and Framing Questions and will begin to explore the following question: How did Lin-Manuel Miranda interpret primary and secondary sources to portray Hamilton’s relationships? We will listen to and closely read three songs from the musical, focusing on Miranda’s interpretation of Washington and Hamilton’s relationship. We will then begin to read and analyze excerpts from Alexander Hamilton, by Ron Chernow, and a letter from George Washingto to Alexander Hamilton. We will make connections between the sources and Miranda’s interpretation of the relationship between Hamilton and Washington.

• Lesson 2:

  We will read and analyze excerpts from Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow and a letter from George Washington to Alexander Hamilton. We will make connections between these sources and Miranda’s interpretation of the relationship between Hamilton and Washington.

• Lesson 3:

  We will continue to explore the question, How did Lin-Manuel Miranda interpret primary and secondary sources to portray Hamilton’s relationships? We will read and analyze excerpts from Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow and a letter from George Washington to Alexander Hamilton. We will make connections between the sources and Miranda’s interpretation of the relationship between Hamilton and Washington.

• Lesson 4:

  We will discuss our thoughts on Miranda’s interpretation and portrayal of Hamilton and Washington’s relationship. Then, we will listen to and read six songs from the musical, focusing on collecting evidence that will help us explain Miranda’s interpretation of Hamilton and Burr’s relationship and what led to Burr killing Hamilton.

• Lesson 5:

  We will read and analyze excerpts from two letters and the song “The Election of 1800.” We will make connections between the sources and Miranda’s interpretation of the relationship between Hamilton and Burr and what led to Burr killing Hamilton.

• Lesson 6:

  We will read and analyze the song “Your Obedient Servant,” excerpts from letters, and Alexander Hamilton. We will make connections between the sources and Miranda’s interpretation of the relationship between Hamilton and Burr and what led to Burr killing Hamilton.

• Lesson 7:

  We will read and analyze an excerpt from Alexander Hamilton. Then, we will make connections between the sources and Miranda’s interpretation of the relationship between Hamilton and Burr and what led to Burr killing Hamilton.

• Lesson 8:

  We will consider the question, How did Lin-Manuel Miranda interpret primary and secondary sources to create Hamilton: An American Musical? We will discuss why Lin-Manuel Miranda chose Aaron Burr as the narrator of Hamilton: An American Musical. Then, we will begin to prepare for the Section Diagnostic.

• Lesson 9:

  We will prepare for our Section Diagnostic by reading primary and secondary sources about Hamilton’s relationship with Angelica Church.

• Lesson 10:

  We will review grammar terms and practice revising and editing letters written by Angelica Church, George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton.

• Lesson 11:

  We will compare Miranda’s interpretation of Hamilton’s and Angelica Church’s relationship with what we found in our reading of primary and secondary sources.

• Lesson 12:

  We will review feedback on the Section Diagnostic. We will use the feedback to make revisions to our work.

• Lesson 13:

  We will share the understanding we have gained through our independent reading and continue to read our texts.