Hamilton's Infidelity

As the play progresses, it becomes clear to the audience that Hamilton's view of marriage and love, in general, is very different from that of his wife, Eliza. With this being said, Eliza appeared to immediately take on the roles in the domestic sphere while Hamilton concerned himself with worldly issues and pursuits - thus, ultimately further perpetuating the longstanding trope of our patriarchal society. In saying this, Hamilton's mind appeared to rarely be focused on Eliza, while Eliza's mind seemed to solely focus on her husband and her pursuits in convincing him to stay home with her. 

Hamilton's trope of infidelity was further exemplified in Act II when he meets Maria Reynolds. Reynolds originally approaches Hamilton asking for money and a companion to walk her home. With this being, while this encounter appeared rather innocent at first, the relationship between the two quickly escalated once they arrived at Reynold's residence. For example, in explaining the instance, Hamilton states, "But my God, she looks so helpless and her body's saying 'Hell yes.' [...] Then her mouth is on mine and I don't say..." (176). In furthering this, Hamilton then goes on to admit that this was not a one-time affair, but rather one that he pursued on multiple occasions.

Moreover, this theme of infidelity appeared to be one that was not unique to Hamilton, but rather that which was a sign of the times. For example, Maria Reynolds husband, James, enters the scene and goes on to express his true desires - that of monetary gain, rather than his wife's loyalty. In furthering this, Reynolds states, "So time to pay the piper for the pants you unbuckled. And hey, you can keep seein' my whore wife if the price is right: if not I'm telling your wife" (177). With this being said, James Reynold's response to his wife's infidelity can ultimately be viewed as that which was commonplace in society, at the time - simply, a time in which monetary gain and individual pleasure was more important than that of monogamy. 

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