VERONICA KUFFEL

The Hamilton Algorithm

If you look through my shelf, you’ll notice a lot of books I’ll admit to never reading. But every bound collection of poetry you point out, I probably know cover to cover.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a fiend for poetry–whether written, spoken or sang. That’s why when Min Manuel Miranda’s “Alexander Hamilton” came out, I did not hesitate to purchase a few hardcovers on the musical’s analysis. 

There’s just something about how Miranda blended words together that set me off into a head-nodding, foot-tapping dreamland. The way he organizes phrases and syllables was so pleasing to me, but I never understood why, until recently.

I came across an article from The Wall Street Journal about Miranda’s algorithms–how every sentence was masterfully composed to appease the ears and crafted to a perfected science. And just like that, the poetry world I knew exploded.

The article’s called, “How does ‘Hamilton,’ the non stop, hip-hop Broadway sensation tap rap’s master rhymes to blur musical lines?” (I know, hefty title), and it immediately hooks you with its Miranda-esque rhyming scheme.

But what catches your eye first is that rhyming groups of letters are color-coded behind a picture from Miranda’s show. Followed by the challenge underneath titled “Find out with our algorithm,” it was enough for me to keep going.

The article then transforms into a multimedia webpage with layered audio files. Essentially, you read the little intro above each, and then you listen to the files with accompanying lyrics. Color-coded diamonds pop up with each lyric, and the heights are altered so you can connect each color a little more with the sound. It engages readers to take part in the synthesis and pick apart what makes Miranda’s lines so vibrant.

It feels like a short class that teaches how to perfect poetry and then challenges viewers to compare the work of other poets and rappers to the “Hamilton Algorithm.” And by analyzing other works through this algorithm, the article stays relevant outside the musical. 

Good poetry moves you in a way that normal words can’t, and you feel this in your heart. But I never knew there was a scientific pattern to it all, a way to gauge how phrases make you feel.

The Wall Street Journal puts it right out there for the world to see, and although the idea of the Hamilton Algorithm may be common knowledge in the poetry community, I certainly didn’t know about this.

It blew my mind wide open. As a proclaimed lover and writer of poetry, I can now amplify the effects of my own. I can also appreciate other poetry by recognizing these rhythms and characteristics. 

Even if you already know about the algorithms of poetry and raps, I encourage you to check out this article for the pure fun of it. Whether you’re a Hamilton, poetry, art or hip hop enthusiast, you’re sure to get something out of the Hamilton Algorithm.