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
King George sings about watching John Adams take over as president. King George is shocked that Washington has relinquished power—he cannot imagine ever doing the same—and even more that Adams (“that’s that little guy who spoke to me”) is in his place. King George is confident that without Washington at the helm, America will tear itself to pieces.
In another moment of comic relief, King George muses about the necessity of a moderating figure like Washington. Without such a unifying figure, all the other Founders’ competing ambitions and reputations will surely clash; “next to Washington,” George reflects, “they all look small.”
Themes
