How Accurate is the Play ‘Hamilton’ about Alexander Hamilton?
When viewing a Broadway production like Hamilton, it's natural to question its historical accuracy, especially when dealing with significant historical figures such as Alexander Hamilton. While the musical heavily draws inspiration from Ron Chernow's biography, it takes creative liberties to bring Hamilton’s story to life in a modern, hip-hop format. In this article, we will explore the accuracy of Hamilton and discuss how the artistic interpretation can offer a more relatable understanding of historical figures.
The Accuracy of 'Hamilton' in Presenting Alexander Hamilton
Hamilton is a musical marvel that captivates audiences with its blend of historical facts, artistic license, and modern relevance. However, it is crucial to understand that the show is not a detailed, historically precise biography. It dramatizes the life of Alexander Hamilton to evoke emotions and convey the essence of his character rather than presenting every minute detail as accurate history.
Deviation from Historical Facts
The show begins with several inaccuracies. Lafayette, a significant historical figure, appears much later in the play, only in 1777. Moreover, Hamilton is portrayed as being respected by the start of the war, which is not entirely accurate. The initial battles where he served as an artillery officer and gained the attention of George Washington significantly influence the narrative. Additionally, Angelica Schuyler, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, was already married with two children when she met Hamilton, contradicting the narrative in the musical.
Historical Details and Dramatization
Despite these inaccuracies, much of the show remains true to the historical record. Alexander Hamilton was indeed a college graduate and did become George Washington’s aide. He had a significant disagreement with Washington, seeking to take a more active role in the war. The affair with Maria Reynolds, which tarnished Hamilton’s political reputation, is depicted accurately. His son Philip’s death in a duel is also a crucial element of the musical. Hamilton’s successful marriage to Elizabeth Schuyler, rather than the extended Dutch Hudson River aristocracy portrayed in the show, completes the marital narrative.
Artistic Interpretation vs. Historical Biographies
The key difference between Hamilton and historical biographies like Ron Chernow’s is that the musical simplifies and poeticizes the events to create a compelling narrative. While a historical biography might delve into meticulous details, Hamilton captures the essence of Hamilton’s character and historical events. This artistic interpretation can offer a more relatable and engaging historical account to contemporary audiences, who may find it challenging to engage with traditional historical texts.
Washington and Hamilton's Relationship
The musical portrays a more paternalistic relationship between Washington and Hamilton than what historical accounts suggest. Washington’s relationship with Hamilton was characterized more by mutual respect and professional familiarity rather than personal affection. Chernow’s account indicates that Hamilton had to absorb the general’s hidden temper, making it challenging to develop a personal bond. However, Washington consistently praised Hamilton’s genius, and Hamilton never criticized Washington, further highlighting the professional relationship.
The Burr-Hamilton Rivalry
Another significant storyline in the play is the rivalry between Aaron Burr and Hamilton. The musical simplifies the political appointments and the 1800 election. In reality, Burr was Jefferson’s running mate, and the tie was broken by electors casting votes without specifying for President or Vice President. The play captures the essence of the rivalry but omits some of the complex political details.
The Importance of Creative Liberties
While Hamilton may not present every detail with historical precision, it still offers a true and compelling portrayal of the people and events in question. The artistic liberties taken in the musical allow for a more relatable understanding of historical figures, making their lives and the events they lived through more accessible to a modern audience.