Hamilton Background
How did Alexander Hamilton die?
Aaron Burr shot him in a duel.
Explain the significance/irony of the phrase "not throwing away my shot."
Hamilton says he does not want to throw away his shot, which could mean his opportunity in life. Later, Hamilton literally throws away his shot in his duel against Burr.
What is the purpose of Ch 8 in Franklin's autobiography?
To tell his audience about his plan to become perfect/successful and how that turned out for him.
Who is Harrison Otis?
Massachusetts congressman. Hamilton writes him a letter.
What happens to Abigail Williams in "The Crucible"?
She runs away from Salem with Parris's money.
Name 3 things that happened during Hamilton's childhood.
ANSWERS MAY VARY. Hamilton's mother died. Hamilton helped run his boss's business. Hamilton was sent to America from St. Croix.
What foreshadowing is found in the song "My Shot."
ANSWERS MAY VARY. "Seven feet in front of me" foreshadows Hamilton's death.
What was Franklin's plan of attack in his quest for success?
Work on one virtue per week for 13 weeks.
What was Hamilton's motivation for writing the letter?
To convince Otis to vote for Jefferson and not Burr for president.
How does Elizabeth sacrifice herself to save Proctor?
Elizabeth lies for the first time ever when asked if John committed adultery. She thinks that by doing this, she will go to Hell.
What was Hamilton's issue with Burr?
ANSWERS MAY VARY. Burr failed to "stand for something." Burr was "selfish."
Explain the motivations of Mulligan, Lafayette, and Laurens in the song "My Shot."
Mulligan: Rise up the ranks from being a tailor's apprentice.
Lafayette: Learn how to start a revolution for France.
Laurens: freedom for slaves. Mentions "first black battalion."
What conclusion did Franklin come to at the end of his experiment?
No one can become perfect.
How does Hamilton feel about Jefferson?
ANSWERS MAY VARY. He does not agree with a lot of what Jefferson stands for, but he considers him the lesser of two evils.
Why doesn't Elizabeth stop John from sacrificing himself?
She says that John "has his goodness now." In other words, John is finally clean of sin.
Contrast Hamilton to Burr.
ANSWERS MAY VARY. Example: Hamilton was very outspoken where Burr played things close to his chest.
How is the song "Alexander Hamilton" considered a personal narrative?
ANSWERS MAY VARY. Uses "I" and "we." Tells of an important event.
Explain Organ's views on success.
At first she describes them as extrinsic things: no yelling, being polite, perfect figure, etc. Later she decides that it is about loving who you already are.
Answers will vary. Basically he feels like Burr is a selfish person who does not have the country'd best interests at heart.
What decision does John Proctor make that upsets Hale?
John decides to not tell a lie in order to save his own life. John dies because he chooses this path.
How did Hamilton change America?
ANSWERS MAY VARY Created a financial system for our country. He was a war hero.
What role did education play in Hamilton's success story?
Hamilton only had books to help him out of poverty. He admits that he "has no polish," meaning he was not rich. He did however study hard to work his way up the ranks.
How does Franklin's definition of success compare/contrast to Organ's?
Franklin focused on virtues at first; Organ focused on the extrinsic at first. Both come to the conclusion that you basically have to embrace who you are as a person.
Summarize Hamilton's letter to Otis.
ANSWERS MAY VARY. Hamilton does not want Burr to become president because Burr is selfish and power hungry. Although he does not agree with Jefferson's policies, he backs him because he at least stands for something and has the country's interests at heart.
Who is greedy for his neighbors' land AND how does he go after their land. YOU MUST ANSWER BOTH PARTS OF THE QUESTION CORRECTLY TO GET CREDIT!
Thomas Putnam. He accuses people of being witches. In the movie he convinces his daughter to lie about their neighbor coming in through her window and pressing his body on hers.