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Act 1: A Winter’s Ball
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Hamilton, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Collaboration, Disagreement, and Democracy
Stories vs. History
Ambition and Mortality
Immigration and Diversity of Influence
Honor
Summary
Analysis
At a ball, Eliza tells the audience that she has never been the center of attention. But as soon as Eliza sees Hamilton, she is “helpless,” taken by his wit and his famously piercing eyes. Eliza tells Angelica about her crush on Hamilton, and from across the room, Eliza watches as Angelica acts as her wing-woman.
The idea of “helplessness” will be vital throughout the show. Hamilton, subscribing to the gender norms of the time, often sees himself as the protector of “helpless” women. But also, Eliza’s helplessness distinguishes her from her sister Angelica, who—in this moment, and seemingly always—knows exactly how to take action.
Themes
Eliza and Hamilton meet, and there are instant fireworks. The song then jumps forward in time, as the happy couple writes letters back and forth. Soon, Hamilton is asking Eliza’s father to bless their marriage.
Hamilton uses language to court Eliza, making letters an important symbol for the power of the written word. Again, the rituals of this time period—based on a strict sense of reputation and honor—are evident in Hamilton’s interactions with Eliza’s father.
Themes
Hamilton reminds Eliza that he has no money (“all I have’s my honor, my tolerance for pain, a couple of college credits and a top-notch brain”). At the same time, Hamilton recalls his father’s abandonment, vowing to Eliza that as long as they are together, he’ll make sure she never feels as “helpless” or alone as his mother did.
Now, Hamilton’s first trauma—the loss of his mother—rears its head, a deep-seated pain that will continue to plague him throughout the show. Moreover, Hamilton is honest about his lack of wealth, using his ambition and honor as proof of his worthiness instead of more traditional status symbols.
Themes
