Hamilton the Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Throughout the course of the musical, the audience witnesses how Hamilton’s fierce determination
allows him to rise above his humble beginnings and become a notable person in early American
history. In a thoughtful analytical essay, show how Hamilton’s determination is revealed. You may
wish to consider the lyrics, contrast with Aaron Burr, and Hamilton’s actions in your response.
Introduction
● Hook
● Title, author and restatement of prompt
● Introduce the (3) devices you will use.
Body paragraph 1
● Transitional phrase to introduce first
device
● Statement linking device+prompt
● Reference #1 to support
● Explain how reference reveals
determination
● Reference #2
● Explanation
● Reference #3
● Explanation
● Conclude paragraph with a tie-back to
prompt.
Repeat with device 2
Repeat with device 3
Conclude
● Restate the prompt in your own words
● Reiterate the three devices
● Final comment linking determination to
success
Sometimes people rise above their
circumstances to become someone
unexpected.
● In the musical Hamilton by L. M. M,
the writer examines the life of
Alexander Hamilton and how his
singular determination allowed him
to….
● Through LMM’s use of device # 1,
device # 2, and device # 3,
Hamilton’s rise to success is
revealed.
Most importantly, it is through LMM’s song
lyrics that the message is clear.
Point
Reference
Explanation
Conclude: From one selection to the next,
the audience sees how Hamilton-never
satisfied with “less”-rises through the
ranks.
Alexander Hamilton’s grit and
determination are the qualities that allow
him to rise up.
● 3 devices
● Final comment