Types Tuesday

Power of Idealism Month

This month is Power of Idealism month. We’ll be examining the type of Character who strives for excellence and never settles for second-best. Life is grand opera, where every emotion is heightened. They can’t just feel pain, they feel extreme pain. A romantic gesture isn’t enough, it has to over-the-top. “Complacent” or “satisfactory” isn’t in their vocabulary.

Throughout April, we will look at epic heroes, separated lovers and those coming of age. These Characters are dramatic types who are never satisfied and treat life as a never-ending pursuit of something better. They are passionate, intense and will never settle for anything less than the best. Even then, they will keep reaching for something better.

Hamilton

Hamilton is the musical portrayal of the life of Founding Father, First Secretary of the Treasury and face of the $10 bill, Alexander Hamilton. In the musical, at least, Hamilton is a Power of Idealism Character. His best friend, Aaron Burr, is Power of Truth.

Their conflict lies in Burr’s jealousy- he spends the musical asking “how could a bastard orphan” achieve everything that he does? Unlike Burr, who plays it safe, Hamilton always succeeds. Their argument lasting decades reaches its tragic end when Burr shoots Hamilton dead in a duel.

Every one of the songs that Hamilton himself sings relates to his relentless pursuit of crafting America in his own image. Everyone suffers for him- his wife Eliza, her sister Anjelica, his son and his political rivals. Hamilton breaks hearts and creates enemies as he embraces his epic destiny. It is not until later in his life, as the War of Independence is over and Thomas Jefferson arrives at the White House, that he faces defeat.

Everything that Hamilton does, he does for the American Project. Nothing else matters to him, because ever since his impoverished childhood, he’s had to write his way out to thrive. Talent serves him well, up to a point. His loss of a normal, happy life was America’s gain. In this musical, at least, it could be argued that Hamilton couldn’t have asked for a better death.

Epic Hero Stories

There are three Power of Idealism stories- Separated Lovers, Coming-Of-Age and Epic Hero. Hamilton is the latter, as is the 2004 historical film Troy. These stories follow legends, warriors, and icons who are doomed to die in a noble cause- often in war. In Hamilton’s case, it was his refusal to back down. His greatness cost him his life, but he will always be remembered for his achievements.

Other Power of Idealism Characters in Epic Hero stories are Colonel Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick) in Glory, King Leonides (Gerard Butler) in 300 and William Wallace (Mel Gibson) in Braveheart. All these Characters sacrifice themselves for glory and honor, and their stories will live on.

Lyrics

Some of these lyrics from various Hamilton songs sum up Hamilton’s attitude and the Power of Idealism mindset. They also demonstrate how Hamilton is part of an Epic Hero story:

You could never back down

You never learned to take your time!

Alexander Hamilton

[King George] ain’t ever gonna set his descendants free

So there will be a revolution in this century

Enter me!

[…] Don’t be shocked when your hist’ry book mentions me

I will lay down my life if it sets us free.

[…] I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory
When’s it gonna get me?
In my sleep? Seven feet ahead of me?
If I see it comin’, do I run or do I let it be?
Is it like a beat without a melody?
See, I never thought I’d live past twenty
Where I come from some get half as many

[…]I’m past patiently waitin’. I’m passionately
Smashin’ every expectation
Every action’s an act of creation!
I’m laughin’ in the face of casualties and sorrow

Hamilton, My Shot

I may not live to see our glory!

But I will gladly join the fight!

And when our children tell our story…

They’ll tell the story of tonight

Hamilton, Story of Tonight

HAMILTON: If they tell my story

I am either gonna die on the battlefield in glory or Rise up!

WASHINGTON: Dying is easy, young man,

Living is harder.

Hamilton and Washington, Right Hand Man

ELIZA: Look at where you are
Look at where you started
The fact that you’re alive is a miracle
Just stay alive, that would be enough
And if your wife could share a fraction of your time
If I could grant you peace of mind
Would that be enough?

CHORUS: How do you write like tomorrow won’t arrive?
How do you write like you need it to survive?
How do you write ev’ry second you’re alive?
Ev’ry second you’re alive? Ev’ry second you’re alive?

Full Company, Non-Stop