
The Beggar's Opera
by John Gay
'The Beggar's Opera' Summary
"The Beggar's Opera" by John Gay is a satirical ballad opera first performed in 1728. Set in the criminal underworld of London, it uses witty dialogue and songs to mock the conventions of Italian opera and the corruption of the times.
The central character is Macheath, a notorious highwayman and rogue. He is a charismatic but unscrupulous man who is married to Polly Peachum, the daughter of a notorious fence. However, he also has romantic entanglements with Lucy Lockit and other women. Polly discovers Macheath's duplicity, leading to conflicts and complications.
The narrative revolves around Macheath's misadventures, run-ins with the law, and the tangle of relationships he finds himself in. The story takes the audience through a series of humorous and often absurd situations, showcasing the moral decay and societal hypocrisy of the time.
John Gay's writing style is sharp, witty, and filled with biting satire. The dialogues and songs are designed to lampoon the upper classes, the legal system, and the political landscape. The use of common language and relatable characters made the play accessible and entertaining for a broad audience.
In summary, "The Beggar's Opera" is a scathing satirical work that uses a mix of humor, music, and clever writing to critique the society of its time. The characters, especially Macheath, and the intricate plot provide a lens through which the audience can view and critique the societal norms and values of 18th century England.
Book Details
Authors

John Gay
United Kingdom
John Gay (1685-1732) was an English poet, playwright, and satirist. He is best known for his ballad opera The Beggar's Opera (1728), a satirical work that was a huge success at the time and is still p...
Books by John GayDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

December Tales by William Harrison Ainsworth
This collection of short stories explores the complexities of human emotions and experiences, particularly within the context of winter and its associ...

Mozart's Youth by Franz Hoffmann
This short account of the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is part of the “Life Stories for Young People” series. It is written in an engaging dialogue f...

沉沦 (沉淪 Chenlun) by Dafu Yu
沉沦 (Chenlun) by Yu Dafu is a seminal work of Chinese modern literature, exploring themes of alienation, despair, and the search for meaning in a rap...

On Something by Hilaire Belloc
“Now that story is a symbol, and tells the truth. We see some one thing in this world, and suddenly it becomes particular and sacramental; a woman and...

Hotel D'Angleterre And Other Stories by Mary Elizabeth Hawker
This collection of five short stories, written under the pseudonym Lanoe Falconer, showcases the poignant and insightful writing of Marie Elizabeth Ha...

Salmelan heinätalkoot by Olli Wuorinen
Salmelan heinätalkoot is a heartwarming Finnish novel that portrays the lives of a rural community in Finland. The story revolves around a haymaking w...

Mercator; The Merchant by Titus Maccius Plautus
Mercator is a Roman comedy by Titus Maccius Plautus, set in Athens. It follows the humorous and chaotic consequences of misunderstandings and secrets....

Stage Land by Jerome K. Jerome
A comic look at the curious habits and customs of the inhabitants of 'Stage Land'. Dedicated to 'that highly respectable but unnecessarily retiring in...

scharlaken letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Het boek 'The Scarlet Letter' van Nathaniel Hawthorne onderzoekt het leven van Hester Prynn, een jonge vrouw in het puritaanse Boston van de 17e eeuw,...

Love for Love by William Congreve
Love for Love is a Restoration comedy written by British playwright William Congreve. It premiered on 30 April 1695 at the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatr...
Reviews for The Beggar's Opera
No reviews posted or approved, yet...