Alexander Hamilton Literary Elements

Alexander Hamilton Literary Elements

Genre

Biography, Drama

Setting and Context

The United States of America, 1755-1804, The founding of America

Narrator and Point of View

Alexander Hamilton, omniscent, 3rd person

Tone and Mood

Dramatic

Protagonist and Antagonist

Protagonist: Alexander Hamilton, The USA; Antagonist: England, Aaron Burr

Major Conflict

The United States of America wishes to be an independent, free country.

Climax

The battle of Yorktown.

Foreshadowing

N/A

Understatement

Alexander's relationship with Maria Reynolds is an understatement, as the couple doesn't understand the effects and consequences their relationship will have on their future lives.

Allusions

There are several allusions to the bible, as prominent people in the book are christians, and constantly choose to quote the scripture, such as George Washington: "Everyone shall sit under their own vine, and fig tree. And no one shall make them afraid" (Micah 4:4).

Imagery

Alexander decides to spend his life writing without stop, which affects his family life as well as his own mental health. When both Angelica and Elizabeth wishes him off to a vacation, he declines, insisting that he has to work.

Paradox

Alexander Hamilton cheating is at the beginning of the book a paradox, as he is seen as a hero who is loyal and wants the best for his country. He also loved Elizabeth very dearly, which is contradictory to his actions later in the book, when he cheats with Maria Reynolds.

Parallelism

Parallel lines can be drawn between all the women Alexander Hamilton loved: Elizabeth Schyler, Angelica Schyler, and Maria Reynolds. They were all females that wanted a man in their lives, with considerable power, and Alexander managed to seduce them all.

Metonymy and Synecdoche

N/A

Personification

N/A

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