Expressions that changed meaning throughout Hamilton

In Hamilton, there are many important phrases that change meaning as the play progresses. The first one that I noticed was "Helpless". "Helpless" was a word Eliza used to describe how she felt when she was falling in love with Hamilton. It implied that there was nothing she could do about her feelings besides surrender to them. However, on page 143, she describes herself as "helpless" in another context. Hamilton somewhat spirals after the war is won, desperate to continue to make progress and establish an effective government in America. Many people beg him to slow down and appreciate the fact that they won, but he does not listen. Because Eliza also is ignored when she tries to calm her husband, she describes herself as "helpless". A word that once described their love story is now being used to show how Hamilton is acting somewhat out of control and Eliza is unable to tame him.


Another phrase that I noticed changed as the play went on was that Hamilton was "never satisfied". In the beginning, Angelica used this phrase as a positive quality that Hamilton possessed because it meant that he would never stop continuing to better their country. However, after the affair came to light, she throws this phrase into his face. She says "God, I hope you're satisfied" (235) as a way of telling him that maybe because of the pain he caused Eliza, he will be able to slow down and appreciate what he has. What started off as a good quality ended up being a downfall in his marriage.


Lastly, "not throwing away my shot" also changed tremendously in meaning. Hamilton used to always say he was "not throwing away my shot" as his way of explaining his sense of urgency; he felt as if he had an opportunity to create change and he did not want to waste it. In the scene in which Burr kills him, Hamilton is deciding if he should avoid the incoming bullet, shoot Burr, or let it kill him. He says "If I throw away my shot, is this how you remember me?"(273). In this context, he is talking about a physical bullet. By bringing back this philosophy he carried through most of the play, the audience can notice character development between his determination of "not throwing away my shot" to him questioning what will happen if he does.

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