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Act 2: It’s Quiet Uptown
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Hamilton, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Collaboration, Disagreement, and Democracy
Stories vs. History
Ambition and Mortality
Immigration and Diversity of Influence
Honor
Summary
Analysis
Sometime later, Hamilton must choose between voting for Jefferson or Burr in the 1800 presidential election. The song begins when Jefferson asks, “can we get back to politics?” Realizing that some people see Jefferson as too “extreme,” Madison convinces his friend to seek Hamilton’s endorsement. Meanwhile, Burr openly campaigns for himself, a first in American history. “Talk less,” he sings with forced enthusiasm, echoing his old refrain, “smile more / don’t let ‘em know what you’re against or what you’re for.”
The difference between history and daily life is then mirrored in a tonal shift: after the slow sincerity of “It’s Quiet Uptown,” Jefferson is funny and abrasive about getting back to “politics.” Just like Hamilton, Jefferson’s passion and ambition can come across as extremism. But Burr’s only passion is for power, as evidenced in his refusal to let people know what he stands for—even as he campaigns.
Themes
Voters like Burr, gravitating toward him because he seems “like you could grab a beer with him!” But people are still on the fence, and Hamilton become the deciding vote. Though he does not like either candidate, he ultimately chooses Jefferson—“when all is said and all is done,” Hamilton reasons, “Jefferson has beliefs. Burr has none.” Jefferson wins the election and sidelines Burr, who is left seething.
The so-called “beer test” arose with President George W. Bush, when voters opined that the president, regardless of his stances or achievements, seemed like he would be fun to hang out with. Burr’s desire to be a part of history, talking less and smiling more, now leaves him without any honor or allies. Meanwhile, despite their constant sparring, Jefferson and Hamilton are able to put aside their differences and work together to defeat the unprincipled Burr.
Themes
