The Song Of Alexander
is an ongoing (began in late 2016) Historical Fiction Web Serial Novel by tumblr user ciceroprofacto, inspired by The Song of Achilles in style and title. It is told from the perspective of John Laurens from the time he joined the American Revolution, focusing on the events of the war and Laurens' budding romance with Alexander Hamiltonnote . Don't mistake this story for a Hamilton fanfic; while a lot of this story's fans probably found out about Laurens' existence through that musical, they're two separate works of historical fiction.
The Song Of Alexander contains examples of:
- Door Stopper: SOA so far, as of this edit, is 257776 words. This is the first 16 chapters of a planned 50 (according to the work info box).
- Drowning My Sorrows: In Chapter 11, after Laurens gets information implying Hamilton to have died, he goes drinking to deal with the news.
- Foregone Conclusion: Since it's historical fiction, quite a lot falls under this.
- Gayngst: Self-hate issues over being attracted to men (and to Hamilton specifically) feature fairly prominently in Laurens' extensive collection of self-hate issues.
- Reports of My Death Were Greatly Exaggerated: Hamilton has had this happen to him more than once
- Chapter 4 ends with Washington telling Laurens that Hamilton has been reported dead. Cue Heroic BSoD for Laurens, but just as it's being explained how Hamilton allegedly died...The door creaked as Hamilton pushed it open, and I'm not the only man staring. Beside me, Lafayette sways like he may faint. The Lieutenant Colonel steps inside, eyes widening at all the room frozen and gaping at him.
He steps back towards the door, "Apologies, I've interrupted," hey says. "But...who was shot and bayonetted? I'm sorry I'm returning so late, your Excellency, but I had to warn Congress of General Howe's approach, and my horse was seized by dragoons and all the others had already gone away, so I ran on foot and..." he pauses in his babble and our eyes meet. He squints at me, "Mister Laurens...are you...crying?" - There's another scare in Chapter 11 when Hamilton is away from camp and ill with a fever; it worsens and a letter arrives saying he's "confident he shall not survive long". Turns out that he recovered, but for weeks after the initial concerning letter there's no news about his condition, meaning he's basically assumed dead.
- Chapter 4 ends with Washington telling Laurens that Hamilton has been reported dead. Cue Heroic BSoD for Laurens, but just as it's being explained how Hamilton allegedly died...
- The First Cut Is the Deepest: One of the reasons Laurens is terrified to become sexually involved with Hamilton is remaining emotional baggage from his failed relationship with Francis Kinloch.
- Unresolved Sexual Tension: Between Laurens and Hamilton
- War Is Hell: The battle scenes don't skimp on grisly details, and there's an atmosphere of hopelessness with regard to the war in general even though we as the reader know the revolution will succeed.
- Will They or Won't They?: Between Laurens and Hamilton
