This may also allude to the fact that she did save some of Hamilton’s love letters, so she did not completely remove herself or their relationship from history’s eyes.

In response to the question 'Who tells your story?' Eliza responds by burning the letters and claiming that she doesn't want to tell her story.īy Hamilton's ending number, Eliza does put herself back in the narrative by detailing how she worked to defend Alexander Hamilton’s political contributions and writings as well put forth as her own philanthropic contributions to the United States of America. Eliza refutes Alexander Hamilton’s obsession with his legacy by erasing herself from the narrative as she sings in “Burn.” She claims that “ the world has no right to my heart, the world has no place in our bed.” The song claims she feels betrayed that Hamilton would publicize their marriage to protect his legacy rather than work it out with her in private to protect their pride. He would rather live with the shame of infidelity than be accused of conspiring against the government he helped create.

The meaning behind Eliza burning the letters in Hamilton is reflective of the show’s central theme, which is stated in the song: “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story?” Throughout Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton is obsessed with how history remembers him, which is why he ruins his life to clear his name.