Hamilton’s Journey

In trying to get more familiar with the hero’s journey, I thought I’d see if I could deconstruct Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Alexander Hamilton based on it. I put this together based on both Dan Harmon’s story circle and Christopher Vogler’s framework, partly for a diversity of thought, but mostly because I don’t really know what I’m doing. I should point out that this assumes you’re very familiar with the Broadway production and soundtrack. Anyhoos…


Our Hero

Alexander Hamilton

Wants Something

Aaron Burr, Sir
My Shot

And is Called to Adventure

My Shot

But Initially Refuses the Call

These lyrics, which actually occur in the next phase, refer to events not explicitly in the storyline.

Right Hand Man

The Hero Meets the Mentor

Right Hand Man

And then Crosses the Threshold…

Right Hand Man
A Winter's Ball

…into a new world (marriage)

Satisfied

…with allies

Stay Alive

… with enemies

Stay Alive

… while facing trials and tribulations

Meet Me Inside

The Hero and Allies Approach a Major Challenge

Yorktown

And Get What They Want

Yorktown

And The Hero Gets What He Wants

Non-stop

But Pays the Price for It

Cabinet Battle #1
Burn
Stay Alive (reprise)

And Returns (to family, to it being enough)

It's Quiet Uptown

Offering a Final Sacrifice

Vogler and Joseph Campbell refer to this stage as The Resurrection, but Vogler says this is the phase when the hero may perform a final sacrifice.

The Election of 1800

As a Changed Person

The World Was Wide Enough

No story is supposed to snap perfectly into those models and there were areas where I had a tough time figuring out what should go where. I think I’m surprised most by how little Jefferson showed up when putting this together although he plays a pivotal role at the end. Let me know if you agree/disagree/think this a huge a waste of time.