If you’re a fan of the musical Hamilton, you likely know that many of the songs focus on the titular character, Alexander Hamilton. But Hamilton’s wife, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, also plays an important role in the show. In fact, she gets to sing one of the show’s most emotional songs, “That Would Be Enough.”
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Eliza’s character in the musical and examine the lyrics and themes of “That Would Be Enough.”
Eliza Schuyler Hamilton: An Overview
In the musical, Eliza Schuyler is first introduced as one of the three Schuyler sisters, along with Angelica and Peggy. She catches Alexander Hamilton’s eye early on, and the two begin a courtship that leads to marriage.
Throughout the show, Eliza proves to be a supportive and loving wife, standing by Alexander through thick and thin. She also plays an important role in the development of the United States, helping to establish the first private orphanage in New York City and working to preserve her husband’s legacy after his death.
The Lyrics and Themes of “That Would Be Enough”
“That Would Be Enough” comes in Act II of the musical and is sung by Eliza after she learns that she is pregnant. Alexander, who is focused on building a legacy and securing his financial future, is hesitant about the prospect of having a child.
The song begins with Eliza singing:
Look at where we are
Look at where we started
I know I don’t deserve you, Eliza
But hear me out. That would be enough
The line “Look at where we started” is a callback to an earlier song, “Helpless,” which describes Eliza and Alexander’s courtship. The fact that Alexander acknowledges that he doesn’t deserve Eliza speaks to the guilt he feels over his past infidelity.
But Eliza is quick to reassure him, insisting that the prospect of starting a family together is all she needs:
If this child shares a fraction of your smile
Or a fragment of your mind, look out world, that would be enough
The line “look out world” suggests that Eliza sees their child as a force to be reckoned with, someone who will carry on Alexander’s legacy.
Throughout the song, Eliza expresses her love and devotion to Alexander, even in the face of his doubts. She sings:
I don’t pretend to know
The challenges we’re facing
I know there’s no replacing what we’ve lost
And you need time
But I’m not afraid
I know who I married
Just let me stay here by your side
That would be enough
The theme of loss is significant here, as Alexander and Eliza have already lost their son Philip in a duel. Eliza acknowledges the pain they both feel, but still insists that she wants to stand by Alexander’s side.
As the song progresses, Eliza becomes firmer in her stance, telling Alexander:
I don’t need a legacy
I don’t need money
If I could grant you peace of mind
If you could let me inside your heart
This is a powerful moment for Eliza, as she asserts her own desires and needs. She doesn’t want Alexander to be consumed by his desire for a legacy or financial gain; she simply wants him to let her in and be present with her.
The song ends on a hopeful note, as Eliza and Alexander reconcile and embrace each other. “That Would Be Enough” is a poignant reminder that while Alexander Hamilton may have been one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, he was still a human being with flaws and fears. Eliza Schuyler, a strong and resilient woman, played a crucial role in his life and legacy.
Conclusion
Eliza Schuyler Hamilton may not be the main focus of the musical Hamilton, but her presence is felt throughout the show. “That Would Be Enough” is a beautiful showcase for her character, as she expresses her love and devotion to her husband while asserting her own independence and desires.
The song is a reminder that life is not just about building a legacy or accumulating wealth, but about the people we love and the bonds we share with them. Eliza and Alexander’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
FAQ
What is the song that Angelica sings in Hamilton?
“Satisfied” is one of the most famous and beloved songs in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical, Hamilton. It is an impeccably crafted and emotionally charged number that is sung by Angelica Schuyler, who is one of the central figures in the story. The song comes in the first act of the musical and is the eleventh song in the lineup.
In “Satisfied,” Angelica reflects on her complicated relationship with Alexander Hamilton, the ambitious and charismatic protagonist of the play. The song is a tour-de-force of musical storytelling that packs a lot of narrative and emotional content into its four-minute runtime. It uses a number of clever devices to convey the complex story it tells.
The most notable device used in “Satisfied” is the use of a backwards narrative. In the first part of the song, Angelica describes how she first met Hamilton and how she was immediately impressed by his intellect and charisma. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that Angelica has strong feelings for Hamilton and that she feels a deep sense of connection to him. Unfortunately, she has to watch him marry her sister, Eliza, in order to better his own political career.
As the song reaches its climax, it switches to a backwards point of view, and the stage design rewinds to the point where we first saw Angelica and Hamilton meet. The song replays the same verses, but this time, Angelica is singing about how she could have been with Hamilton if she had made different choices. She sings about the moment she meets him and the choices she could have made to change the outcome of their story.
“Satisfied” is a masterful piece of storytelling and an excellent showcase of the talents of Renée Elise Goldsberry, who originated the role of Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway production. The song has become one of the most iconic moments in the show and is beloved by fans of the musical all over the world.
Who was Hamilton’s true love?
Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, is best known for his contributions to the American Revolution and his stint as the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury. However, not many people know that he was also known for his romantic relationships, particularly with his beloved wife, Elizabeth Schuyler.
Elizabeth Schuyler was born in Albany, New York in 1757. Her father, Philip Schuyler, was a well-known general in the Revolutionary War and a prominent figure in New York politics. Her mother, Catherine Van Rensselaer, was also from a wealthy and influential family, making Elizabeth one of the most sought-after women in New York society.
Hamilton and Elizabeth met in 1780, when they were both in their early 20s. They were immediately attracted to each other, and the courtship began. However, Hamilton’s precarious financial situation and the fact that Elizabeth’s father did not initially approve of him proved to be obstacles to their relationship. Nonetheless, they persevered, and on December 14, 1780, they were married at the Schuyler mansion in Albany.
Their marriage was not without its difficulties, but they weathered them all. They had eight children together, six boys and two girls, and their love for each other only grew stronger with each passing year. Hamilton was devoted to his wife and often wrote letters to her expressing his affection and admiration.
Tragically, their love story came to an abrupt end when Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr in 1804. Elizabeth never remarried and instead dedicated herself to preserving her husband’s legacy. She lived for another 50 years and passed away in 1854 at the age of 97.
Elizabeth Schuyler was unquestionably the love of Alexander Hamilton’s life. Their courtship was marked by obstacles and challenges, but their love endured and flourished. Their marriage was a partnership that lasted until Hamilton’s untimely death, and their love story remains one of the most enduring and celebrated in American history.
Did Alexander cheat on Eliza with Angelica in the musical?
In the popular musical “Hamilton”, Alexander Hamilton is portrayed as a complex figure who struggles with his personal relationships as much as he does with his political ambitions. One of the most intriguing aspects of Hamilton’s life, particularly in the musical, is the relationship between him, his wife Eliza, and her sister Angelica.
There are several moments in the musical that suggest a possible romance or flirtation between Alexander and Angelica. For instance, in the song “Satisfied”, Angelica is presented as being smitten with Alexander and even sings that she’s “helpless” when it comes to him. Additionally, in “The Reynolds Pamphlet”, Eliza sings about Hamilton’s infidelities and how they’ve shattered her heart, with some fans speculating that she may be referring to his relationship with Angelica.
However, it’s important to note that the musical is a work of fiction and not a historical biography. While there is evidence to suggest that Alexander and Angelica were close and shared a special bond, it’s unlikely that they had an affair. For one thing, their relationship was always characterized by a deep and abiding friendship, not a romantic or sexual one. Furthermore, Eliza and Angelica were known to be incredibly close, and it seems unlikely that Angelica would betray her sister in such a way.
While the musical may leave some viewers wondering if Alexander cheated on Eliza with Angelica, the historical record suggests that their relationship was not characterized by infidelity or romantic entanglements. Instead, what we see in the show is a complex web of emotions and desires, as Alexander struggles to balance his love for his wife with his restless ambition and his deep affection for her sister.
What did Eliza do after Hamilton died?
Eliza Schuyler Hamilton was devastated when her husband Alexander Hamilton died in a duel in 1804. However, despite her loss, she continued to lead an active and impactful life.
In 1806, two years after Hamilton’s death, Elizabeth became the co-founder of the Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Small Children. This organization was founded to provide assistance to widows and their children who were struggling financially, particularly those who were left with little or no means of support. Eliza felt a strong sense of empathy for those who were widowed and left with young children, as she herself had experienced the hardships of raising a family without a husband. The Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Small Children provided financial assistance and also organized educational and employment opportunities for women in need.
A few years later, Eliza became the co-founder of the Orphan Asylum Society. This organization was established to help children who had lost one or both parents and were without a family member to care for them. Once again, Eliza’s personal experiences influenced her decision to establish such an organization, as she knew firsthand how difficult it was to raise children alone. The Orphan Asylum Society provided housing, education, and vocational training for orphaned children, ensuring that they had a secure future.
In addition to her charitable work, Eliza also played a crucial role in preserving her husband’s legacy. After Hamilton’s death, Eliza worked tirelessly to collect and publish his writings, including his political essays, speeches, and letters. By doing so, she helped to solidify Alexander Hamilton’s place in American history and ensured that his contributions to the formation of the United States were not forgotten.
Despite the hardships that she faced, Eliza Hamilton never gave up on making a positive impact in the world. Through her charitable work and preservation of her husband’s legacy, she demonstrated her resilience, strength, and commitment to serving others.