Thomas Jefferson: The Best of Enemies

How does hyphenation help make this sentence more concise?

Another way of saying "95-page pamphlet" is to say "pamphlet that was 95 pages long." Using a hyphen simplifies the sentence and makes it read more smoothly.

Evaluate How effectively did Chernow use chronological order and the comparison-and-contrast structure to portray the idea that Hamilton and Jefferson were "destined to become mortal foes"?

Chernow effectively uses chronological order to show the development of the disagreement over time and effectively uses comparison-and-contrast to clearly delineate the differences between the two.

Notice & Note Chernow points out that despite the two leaders' conflicts, they shared some common traits. In what ways were Jefferson and Hamilton similar, according to Chernow? How does describing their similarities strengthen the article?

Each considered the other "excessively ambitious" and compared the other to Julius Caesar. Both were involved in sex scandals exposed by the same journalist. These similarities add interest to the article through situational irony. They also contribute an objective, even-handed tone that helps make Chernow's analysis more credible since he seems not to be favoring one over the other.

How did the men's view of the French Revolution change over time? Cite text evidence in your response?

Hamilton viewed the French Revolution with disdain—"gory excesses," "bloody affair, "rigid, utopian thinking," " foreboding of ill"—from the beginning. Jefferson initially believed in the nobility of the French Revolution but realized much later that it was not really an equivalent event to the American Revolution—"wasn't a worthy sequel," "grotesque travesty."

Cite Evidence How did Hamilton's and Jefferson's different personal styles affect the ways they carried out their feud?

Hamilton was a great speaker and a prolific writer. Everyone knew where he stood, and he never backed down from conflict. Jefferson was more reserved. While he was not a good speaker, he was a master politician and was able to manipulate his situation with Hamilton in the shadows. This affected the way they carried out their feud because Hamilton wrote and debated while Jefferson worked more behind the scenes.

What contradiction does this fact reveal? Explain.?

Hamilton's support of Jefferson as the "lesser of two evils" is ironic because of their long-term dislike of each other. Jefferson's convenient decision to forego his previous stance on following a strict, narrow interpretation of the constitution shows a contradiction in his behavior as he comes over to Hamilton's way of thinking.

How would you describe the core difference between the men's views? Cite text evidence in your response?

Jefferson and Hamilton disagreed about how strong the federal government should be and about how to interpret the Constitution. The text says that Hamilton "advocated a vigorous central government marked by a strong President." Jefferson believed that "liberty was jeopardized by concentrated federal power.

What was Chernow's objective in his comparison between Jefferson and Hamilton? Why or Why not?

No. The words "brilliant," "brash and charming," "served up his opinions promiscuously" and "had a true zest for debate" reveal the most about Hamilton and establish the author's tone that he respected Hamilton.

In your own words, state the author's thesis.

The author's thesis is that the disagreement between Jefferson and Hamilton was profound and had effects still being felt today.

Analyze An author's choice of words, or diction, can communicate a great deal about a subject. Reread Chernow's description of Hamilton in paragraphs 4 and 5, paying attention to the adjectives and adverbs. What words best communicate the author's tone toward Hamilton's personality and character?

The words "brilliant," "brash and charming," "served up his opinions promiscuously" and "had a true zest for debate" reveal the most about Hamilton and establish the author's tone that he respected Hamilton.

Analyze How does Chernow's point-by-point comparison of these two rivals add to the strength of his concluding paragraph?

Using a point-by-point comparison, Chernow creates a vivid picture of two men who not only hated each other but had very different views for the future of the United States. This made the shift in Hamilton's attitude and Jefferson's behavior seem all the more ironic. Hamilton ended up supporting Jefferson for President and Jefferson, as President, wielded his federal powers freely.

Why does the author include information about the order of events?

Using specific time references locates the action in its historical context so readers can easily see how the events are related.