The Outbreak Of Aaron Burr Sparknotes

In the story of The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr by H.W. Brands, an individual obtains a different view on the life of Aaron Burr and the controversy surrounding him. The author, H.W. Brands, is the Dickson Allen Anderson Professor of History at the University of Texas at Austin. The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr is a political history that details the life of Burr during early America. Brands provokes the metanarrative of Burr’s life by arguing that Burr was a human being who believed in women’s rights and had good intentions although he expressed them in an unpopular fashion.

Brands uses chronological order in writing about Burr’s eventful life. Brands begins with talking about his marriage and love for his daughter Theodosia and moves on to his

political career and eventual exile to Europe.
Throughout the book Brands uses many primary sources to support his argument about Burr.

Brands’ argument is best examined through letters exchanged between Burr and Theo. In one letter Burr says to Theo, “I am indebted to you, my dearest Theodosia, for a very great portion of the happiness which I have enjoyed in this life. With a little more perseverance, determination and industry, you will obtain all that my ambition or vanity had fondly imagined.” This specific letter shows that Burr had a love and respect for his daughter and still saw more potential growth. The letters and correspondence between Burr and other characters within the book effectively lead the honest reader to have an inside look of the thoughts and intentions of Burr. Brands’ sources were essential to supporting his argument and influencing feelings towards Burr.

While Brands’ argument is well stated and supported by primary sources, he doesn’t necessarily include many other sources on Burr. This is a major weakness to the book as it heavily relies upon Burr and Theo to present Brands’ ideas. There are a few other quotes by the likes of Alexander Hamilton in the Cooper letter and Thomas Jefferson that reinforce the idea that Burr was a “dangerous man.” However, it just strengthens the influence of Burr and Theo’s letters. The reader must have faith in Burr and Theo in order to allow Brands’ ideas to

connect.
On the other hand there are more strengths than weaknesses within the pages of the book. Due to the fact that Brand’s so eloquently describes the love Theo and Burr have for one another, it allows for a real connection to take place for the reader. It’s easier to relate with a loving father rather than a crook. Another strength is that the book is a quick and easy read. It’s simple in language and can be understood without much background knowledge.
The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr is a book worth reading for both entertainment and obtaining an understanding about Burr. Brands’ argument was well thought out and supported by sources. Brands’ take that Burr was a normal person who believed in women’s rights and had good intentions was unique in the sense that most view Burr as a traitor of the United States. If nothing else, Brands work puts a question mark for critics of Burr to answer. Brands writing is important because it shows how revisionists are vital to telling the story and getting history right.