The Beggar's Opera; to Which is Prefixed the Musick to Each Song by John Gay
"The Beggar's Opera" by John Gay is a play, specifically a ballad opera, written in the early 18th century. This satirical work revolves around the characters of Macheath, a charming highwayman, and Polly Peachum, the daughter of a notorious thief-taker, Mr. Peachum. The narrative intertwines themes of love, betrayal, and societal mockery, primarily highlighting the hypocrisy and moral corruption within the criminal underworld and the upper classes. The opening of "The Beggar's
Opera" sets the stage with the character of Mr. Peachum, who discusses criminal dealings and the management of his gang of thieves, showcasing his shrewd business practices. We are introduced to the dynamic of his relationship with his wife and daughter, as they navigate the complexities of love and loyalty against the backdrop of crime. Polly's romantic entanglement with Macheath becomes a central tension, and Peachum's cold pragmatism hints at a darker side to familial love, as he considers betraying Macheath to secure his own financial interests. This introduction effectively establishes the comedic yet critical tone of the opera, drawing readers into a world where love intersects with crime and opportunism. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Gay, John, 1685-1732 |
|---|---|
| Editor | Fraser, Claud Lovat, 1890-1921 |
| Title | The Beggar's Opera; to Which is Prefixed the Musick to Each Song |
| Note | Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beggar%27s_Opera |
| Credits | Produced by Louise Hope |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 82.5 (6th grade). Easy to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | ML: Music: Literature of music |
| Subject | Ballad operas -- Librettos |
| Category | Text |
| EBook-No. | 25063 |
| Release Date | Apr 13, 2008 |
| Copyright Status | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 2070 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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