WHO TELLS YOUR STORY Handout 3: Hamilton: An American Musical Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story? Instructions: Work with your group to discuss and analyze the lyrics for the song “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” from Hamilton: An American Musical. (If you need more space for your responses, you can write on the back of this handout or a separate sheet of paper.) ABOUT THE SONG: This is the final song in the musical and follows directly after Alexander Hamilton dies during the pistol duel with Aaron Burr. The entire cast comes on stage to explain what happens to all the remaining characters in the following years and Hamilton’s legacy. NOTABLE CHARACTERS: Alexander Hamilton: A penniless orphan from the Caribbean who becomes an aide to George Washington and a war hero. After the American Revolution, he is one of the most prominent politicians of the young United States, creating the financial system, writing in defense of the Constitution, and founding the Federalist Party. Aaron Burr: A lawyer and politician who was the third Vice President of the United States, serving during President Thomas Jefferson's first term. He famously killed Hamilton in a pistol duel. Elizabeth "Eliza" Schuyler Hamilton: Hamilton’s wife and middle daughter of wealthy general Philip Schuyler Angelica Schuyler Church: Eldest daughter of Philip Schuyler and devoted sister of Eliza 1. What does George Washington mean when he says “Let me tell you what I wish I’d known when I was young and dreamed of glory. You have no control: Who lives, who dies, who tells your story”? 2. Compare/contrast how the different characters talk about Hamilton: How does Jefferson’s remembrance differ from Washington’s? 3. Angelica says: “Every other founding father story gets told. Every other founding father gets to grow old.” What does this suggest about Hamilton’s legacy? 4. According to the song, who tells Hamilton’s story? 5. How does Eliza go about collecting Hamilton’s history? What sources does she use? 6. What is the significance of the cast repeating the word “time”? 7. Who tells Eliza’s story? How do we learn about her? 8. The last line in the song is, “Who tells your story?” Who is the cast directing that question to? Why do you think Miranda chose to end the musical with that question? 9. What discussion questions would you pose to the class about this song? Connect your question to our discussions about historical narratives and how they are shaped and passed on. (Write at least two questions below. Your group will use this question to lead a brief discussion) .