“Through the whole piece you may observe such a similitude of manners in high and low life that it is difficult to determine whether the fine gentleman imitate the gentlemen of the road, or the gentlemen of the road the fine gentlemen” (p. 845)
Anthology: Play Introduction
- From the beginning of his [John Gay] writing shows an attention to rank and socio-culture modes and mores
- Reversal of high and low- divided into social categories of power, wealth, and gender
- Satirizes self-interest and profiteering social order- capitalism
- All-too-human sentiments and behavior that we all share
First: Names
- P. 806- Names reflect character (class/profession/behavior)
- Reversal- Player and the Beggar
Second: Men
- Mr. Peachum- pawn shop owner, accountant- compares himself with lawyers
- “A lawyer is an honest employment, so is mine. Like me too he acts in a double capacity, both against rouges and for ‘em, for ‘tis fitting that we should protect and encourage cheats, since we live by them” (p. 807)
- Cheats [again reflecting their position and profession] (p. 808)- Crook-fingered Jack; Slippery Sam; Robin of Bagshot; Bob Booty; Bluf Bob; Tom Tipple (quzzling, soaking sot)
- But…Act II, Scene i. A tavern near Newgate. gang at table with wine, brandy, and tobacco. They question “Are we more dishonest than the rest of mankind?” (p.819).
- No they actually appear better. Scene ii, MacHeath- “I have a fixed confidence, gentlemen, in you all as men of honor, and as such I value and respect you” (p. 820)
Third: Women
- Mrs. Peachum’s involvement with the business
- With Flinch- very aggressive with him- forces him to tell her about Polly- “You shall go with me into my room and tell me the whole story” (p.809)
- Diana Traps business like qualities in Act III, Scene vi (p.837) about cloths as Maren mentioned
- Act II, Scene iv (all the women of the town p.821/2)
- slut; amorous as ever; hussy; charming mistresses; drunk; prim and demure; prude; mischievous heart; hypocrite; careless…
- When MacHeath is caught: Scene v- “Women are decoy ducks. Who can trust them? Beasts, jades, jilts, harpies, furies, whores!” (p…}
- However, Scene vi- women are involved in their business
- with Vixen and Jenny- “Look ye, Mrs. Jenny, though Mr. Peachum may have made a private bargain with you and Suky Tawdry for betraying the captain, as we were all assisting, we ought all to share alike”
- Jenny- “As for as a bowl of punch or a treat, I believe Mrs. Suky will join with me. As for anything else, ladies, you cannot in conscience expect it!”
Forth: Jail- if you have the money honey
- Mr. Lockit- “We have them of all prices, from one guinea to ten” (p.825)
- Macheath- “I understand you, sir. Gives money. The fees here are so many and so exorbitant that few fortunes can bar the expense of getting off handsomely or of dying like a gentleman” (p.825)
Fifth: Hanging
- MacHeath- “I am ordered immediate execution” Exits jail guarded (p.845)
- Beggar- “Let the prisoner be brought back to his wives in triumph” (p.845)
But think of this maxim, put off your sorrow:/ The wretch of today may be happy tomorrow” (p.846)
