Are There Any Lines in Hamilton That the Real People Actually Said?

The acclaimed musical Hamilton has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, blending history with contemporary music and dance. But how much of the dialogue is actually from real people? This article delves into the authenticity of the lines in the musical, exploring which characters' lines are based on real quotes and which ones are fictionalized.

Hamilton's Lines from Alexander Hamilton's Writings

Many of Hamilton's lines in the musical are drawn directly from his own writings. For instance, the opening lines of the musical itself, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, comes from the famous Declaration of Independence. Hamilton even captures the spirit of his essays through several other lines that reflect his views on government and society, exploring themes of economic policy, taxation, and the role of the executive branch.

Thomas Jefferson's Real Dialogue in the Musical

Jefferson's dialogue also includes several lines that are reflective of his actual words. In particular, his views on government and liberty are present in the script. These lines often reflect his written and spoken word, emphasizing his philosophy on the rights of people and the nature of democratic rule. A notable example is the dialogue where Jefferson speaks about the importance of government acting in the interest of the people.

George Washington's Farewell Address

Many of the musical's most poignant moments echo themes from Washington's real farewell address. Specifically, the musical's advice about the dangers of political parties and foreign alliances are reflective of Washington's actual words. In the musical, character interactions and songs remind us of the importance of unity and the potential pitfalls of forming political factions or relying too heavily on foreign alliances.

Other Historical Quotes and Paraphrases

The musical also incorporates many other lines that are paraphrased or inspired by the words of historical figures. For example, lines from John Adams and James Madison have influenced various song lyrics, adding depth and authenticity to the musical's historical context.

Commonly Confirmed Instances

Several specific lines have been verified to be authentic quotes from the historical figures involved:

Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy: The line We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal is a direct quote from the Declaration of Independence. Samuel Seabury: The line Heed not the rabble who scream revolution; they have not your interests at heart reflects the anti-revolutionary sentiment of some British loyalists and early American politicians. Amy Irving (Eliza Schuyler): The line Are these the men with which I am to defend America? closely matches the historical quote from George Washington: Are these the men with whom I am to defend America? Angelica Schuyler: The line I’m just saying if you really loved me you would share him is based on a letter from Angelica to Eliza, where she wrote If you could be like the Greeks and share him with me for some time. Aaron Burr to Hamilton: The line If you stand for nothing, Burr, what will you fall for? is a paraphrase of the philosophy expressed by Alexander Hamilton himself: Those who stand for nothing fall for everything. Alexander Hamilton's Young Self: In the musical, there's a line that reflects Alexander's youthful enthusiasm for war, although the exact phrasing may differ from the historical context. Angelica and Alexander's Letters: The dialogue shows that they switched roles in terms of who was flirty, with Angelica writing flirty notes and Alexander responding with playful disdain. This captures the reality of their correspondence, where Angelica often wrote in a more flirtatious manner than Alexander typically did.

Conclusion

While many lines in Hamilton are fictionalized or inspired by historical events and figures, the musical makes a concerted effort to include authentic dialogue when possible. This blend of historical accuracy and creative interpretation makes the show both educational and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on American history.

The authenticity in Hamilton comes not just from the historical figures' words but also from the writers' dedication to capturing the essence of the characters and the era. Hamilton, Jefferson, Washington, and other historical figures are portrayed with a mix of their real quotes and the dramatized narratives that bring them to life on stage.