How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a / Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten / spot in the Caribbean by providence / impoverished, in squalor / grow up to be a hero and a scholar?
-- Aaron Burr (Act 1)

Importance: These opening lines of the show, and of Burr's narration, define Hamilton's fundamental identity; establish the basis of Burr's antagonism towards him; and define the main issues faced by Hamilton as he struggles to achieve status and respect.

Hey yo, I’m just like my country / I’m young, scrappy and hungry / And I’m not throwing away my shot.”
-- Hamilton, Revolutionaries (Act 1)

Importance: The language of this quote is typical of much of the rap-based language and style of the show as a whole. It also contains one of the first examples of a key motif in the piece, one that portrays and defines Hamilton's determination.

Look around, look around at how lucky we are to...
-- The Schuyler Sisters (Act 1)