2 paragraph reflection on Hamilton, Answer 2 questions, 1 paragraph per question

Learning Goal: I’m working on a theater writing question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.

Instructions

Your responses for these reflections should be at least one paragraph per question in the prompt, with at least 4-5 sentences per paragraph. Please provide a detailed analysis with specific examples supporting your claims for all sections of the prompt.

We know that Aristotle wrote the Poetics as an analysis of existing plays, specifically including those of Sophocles. He ordered the elements of tragedy from most to least important as such:

1. 1. 1. Plot — the events and actions of the play
      2. Character — the people inhabiting the world of the play and the moral character of these individuals
      3. Thought — the ideas expressed
      4. Diction or Language — the language and words used to tell the story
      5. Music and Dance — encompassing what the chorus contributed to the play through their song and dance
      6. Spectacle — physical presentation of the play through sets, costumes, and lighting

Questions for Response:

1. Do you think this production of Hamilton follows and upholds that order of the elements in terms of importance? Or do you think this modern production utilizes some of the lower/lesser elements (language, spectacle, music and dance) in a way that actually makes them more important in this particular production?
2. Discuss two specific instances where the ensemble of Hamilton functions in a way that you believe is influenced by or connected to the tradition of the Greek chorus. Please provide the name of the song, how the ensemble is functioning in that moment (ex. providing exposition, commenting on the action, etc.), and how they’re performing that function (ex. through rhythmic dialogue, song, dance, etc.). As a review, here are the many ways a Greek chorus can function:

• • • Greek chorus supports the storytelling
      • Provides exposition and background information
      • Relays information about offstage events during the play
      • Expresses, to the audience, the internal or hidden thoughts and emotions of the main characters
      • Provided the main characters with necessary insights
      • Represent the general population of the story
    • Greek chorus supports the exchange ideas, with the audience as active participants
      • Used to represent the views of the general citizenry, in contrast to the main characters
      • Comments on the action, giving the audience direction on how they should feel about the events taking place
      • Expresses the emotions and reactions of the audience, elevating them to a state of contemplation about the ideas being presented