The Beggar's Opera By John Gay

The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay introduced a new theatrical structure in 1728. The comical play included well known balled interlaced with new melodies recognizable to most upper and lower classmen. This revision of the ballads was also a revision for operatic structure, composed of hidden satire. The play deliberately disregards all morality in order to deliver the expectations of an opera’s “happy ending.” With a compelling play, Gay definitely delivered a statement about the reflection of society. He reflected that theatergoers were easily seduced by an overtly sentimental storyline and had no interest in learning any moral lessons. The language proves the irony of the play, conveying which ever type of man, rich or poor, it is human nature

This is an irony in its own because the person who opens the act is a beggar who defends his honor and reputation as a virtuous and honorable one. Despite his roots, he hints with a sign of arrogance that he will honor the elite audience expectations. This degree of assertion demonstrates an opposing form that a beggar instead of an elite classman is the center of entertainment setting forth this message. The characters in this play are schemers who only posses self-interest. Peachum is absurdly cruel and cements his status on the basis of dishonesty and betrayal. His businesses consist of prostitutes, highway men, and theft from others. However, Peachum is quick to dispose anyone who is no longer of use to him even at the expense of their death as the example with

The appealing part about these lines is that it does not highlight or ridicule the characters for being immoral and irrational beings, but that Gay does not pass criticism on any of the characters for their actions and having these personal sentiments. Gay allows the audience to enjoy the state of moral corruption along with the characters because they are not punished or disciplined. Instead of Peachum realizing his wrong doing, the audiences is suppose to accept him being truthful about his character and not dwell on the immorality of it. Since the ballads were songs that were heard on the streets by all class members, Gay’s idea of putting these ballads into melodies that were easily recognizable to all, sends the message that every man is hypocritical because they can all relate to the streets despite their status. While the elite is trying to prove himself noble, in actuality there is no difference in the nature between him and the beggar since they are both corrupt. The language in the ballads, demonstrate these characters are duplicitous.