How Accurate Are the Characterizations in the Play Hamilton?
Introduction
While Hamilton, the highly acclaimed Broadway musical, is celebrated for its innovative use of hip-hop and narrative rythms, it's natural to question the historical accuracy of its portrayal of its titular character and the other historical figures involved. Hamilton is known for stretching the truth in its service of telling a compelling story. This article explores the extent to which the musical accurately characterizes its subjects and discusses the importance of deriving the right context from fictional portrayals.
The Historical Accuracy of Hamilton
Hamilton is a hip-hop musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's founding fathers. The performance is a blend of historical facts and artistic liberties. According to Hamilton, a significant amount of the initial part of the show is not historically accurate. For instance, Lafayette doesn' t arrive until 1777, and Hamilton is respected by the start of the war to hold an officer position in the early battles that garner his notice by Washington. However, much of what is portrayed is accurate, including Hamilton's college education, his role as a close aide to George Washington, and his political fall due to an affair. Additionally, his son's death in a duel, and his marriage to the wealthy Eliza Schuyler, all of which are consistent with historical records.
Artistic Licenses vs. Historical Truth
A lot of details in Hamilton are incorrect, such as the notion that Angelica Schuyler was already married when she met Alexander Hamilton. It is true that they had a serious crush and wrote long, flirtatious letters, though there’s no evidence that it ever progressed physically beyond that. Similarly, Hamilton meets Hercules Mulligan during his NYC student years, but not Laurens and Lafayette until they joined Washington's staff later. Hamilton did not attend his own wedding to Eliza, and he had no one present at the wedding, in stark contrast to the Dutch Hudson River aristocracy on his wife's side.
The Role of Art in History
The overarching theme of Hamilton is not to provide a detailed, serious biography akin to Ron Chernow’s book Alexander Hamilton. Instead, it is an artistic interpretation that aims to present a more accurate, relatable portrait of the characters and their motivations. The accuracy in portraiture might not be perfect, but it captures the essence of the people and their relationships. For example, the portrayal of Washington and Hamilton’s relationship as more paternalistic than affectionate aligns with historical evidence but may not fully capture their mutual respect.
Specific Examples of Accuracy and Inaccuracy
The musical emphasizes the important choices and decisions that shaped American history. Washington and Hamilton’s relationship is presented as more paternalistic than affectionate, a fact that is backed by historical records. Chernow believed that Hamilton had to absorb the public image of Washington's temper, which affected their relationship but still resulted in staunch admiration.
Another significant inaccuracy is the portrayal of the election of 1800. The musical suggests that Burr ran against Jefferson, but in reality, Burr was his running mate. This election result, reached by the tie between the two Democratic Republicans, was indeed broken by Hamilton's decisive support for Jefferson, aligning with the musical's lyrical summary. The phrase 'Hamilton has beliefs Burr has none' reflects Hamilton's strong belief in principles, a stark contrast to Burr's ambiguous political stance.
Conclusion
While Hamilton is not without its inaccuracies, it provides a compelling and accessible narrative of the founding fathers and their era. It’s crucial to recognize that historical accounts, even those based on accurate research, often involve creative liberties. However, the ability of Hamilton to create a relatable and engaging portrayal of its characters provides a valuable bridge between the general audience and the complex history of the United States.