Hamilton is a modern American musical that was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and debuted on Broadway in 2015. Containing many of the themes commonly found in theatre about revolution, Hamilton talks about martyrdom and its importance. Alexander Hamilton, who is the focus of the musical wants to participate in the American Revolution directly on the battle field. He believes that if he dies for his country, he will be remembered as a hero, which he, among many others, believed is the best way to die. Acknowledging that he has many other skills, George Washington calls Hamilton in to ask him to be his “right hand man.” Washington says, “Head full of Fantasies of dyin’ like a martyr?/ Dying is easy, young man. Living is harder” (Miranda). Although Washington does not say that becoming a martyr is unacceptable, he says that Hamilton would be better suited for a different job. Although Hamilton knows and understands his skills, he is still in love with the idea of his martyrdom.
