“Rise Up!”: The Myth of the Self-Made Man in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton

Abstract

The aim of the thesis has been to prove how Alexander Hamilton, the main character in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton, represents the American myth of the self-made man. This has been analysed through a close reading of the musical lyrics, focusing on some of Hamilton’s character traits — hard work, ambition and awareness of his legacy — and seen from different thematical perspectives: his life story, his connection to the United States, his antagonists and his family. Miranda uses the myth of the self-made man to craft a success story while at the same time subverting it by showing the negative consequences it can have. Furthermore, the musical offers a chance to reflect on current issues in the United States such as the importance of diversity in representation or the sacred view on foundational texts and myths.