Reference no: EM131744171

Choice #1: The Art question: Lin-Manuel Miranda, the composer of Hamilton,has said that the best songs in musicals and the best rap songs have one thing in common. They all say: "I want to get somewhere else," that is, the songs are all about ambition, longing, and hope of changing one's life-or the world! (See: "Alexander Hamilton CBS Morning" on Media page.) Please explore some of these questions in your paper so that you can explain why this musical enjoys success today: --In what ways does Hamilton express through song the characters' feelings of ambition, yearning, and hopefulness? --Do the songs communicate the characters' emotions successfully? If so, how? --How does the musical help us empathize with Alexander Hamilton, the historical figure?--Why do the themes of the play resonate with Americans today?You can discuss the musical style, the casual language (and sometimes vulgarity), the exploration of the characters' personalities, the casting of people of color as the Founders of the country. What effects do these factors have on the audience? Possible new sources:Reviews, critical or positive, of the play."The Master," an article about Miranda, the composer, and what he is attempting to do in his art (Resource page).Choice #2: The History question: The American Revolution nearly failed at many points; the colonists were as divided as Americans are today. Such facts are usually not taught in American schools. Explore some of these questions in composing your paper. --Why might it be important for the musical to show the uncertainty of the revolution and the mixed feelings of the participants? --How does the musical make us empathize with Alexander Hamilton, the historical figure?--How does the musical honor the role of immigrants in American history?--Why is the musical "a civics lesson that our kids can't get enough of," as President Obama put it? See Media page: "Obamas' introduction to Hamilton.")Possible new sources:-Review of the book, Alexander Hamilton, on which the musical is based. (Search in New York Review of Books or New York Times.)-Monteiro's article, critical of the musical and its casting (Resource page).-The video of the Obamas' discussion of the play (Media page).-Articles on the portrayal of the American Revolution in Hamilton.-Articles on the life story of Hamilton and its depiction in the musical.