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Stephen F. Austin State University

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND REVOLUTION: USE OF LEITMOTIF IN THE FIRST ACTS OF LES MISÉRABLES AND HAMILTON: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Leitmotif, a recurring musical theme that represents a character, idea, or situation, is a device used in operas, film scores, and musical theater. Accredited to Richard Wagner, leitmotifs enhance storytelling and provide a sense of cohesion to a production. The popular musicals Les Misérables and Hamilton bear many similarities, including the use of leitmotif as a storytelling device. This thesis explores how the two musicals use leitmotif differently, through the lens of the protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters. Though the leitmotifs in Les Misérables generally represent ideas and the leitmotifs in Hamilton are mostly character-based, this tool aids the overall narrative in both shows.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Music
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
School of Music
Year dc:date.available
2023

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Pezzillo, Mary Katherine
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Dr. Samantha Inman
  • Dr. Stephen Lias
  • Dr. Inga Meier

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/522
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:scholarworks.sfasu.edu:etds-1565

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Stephen F. Austin State University
Base URL
scholarworks.sfasu.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Pezzillo, Mary Katherine. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND REVOLUTION: USE OF LEITMOTIF IN THE FIRST ACTS OF LES MISÉRABLES AND HAMILTON: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL. Thesis thesis, 2023. https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/522