The Beggar’s Opera

John Gay

• Drama
• Book language: English
• 98 pages

The Beggar's Opera is John Gay's 1728 ballad opera, a satirical drama with spoken dialogue and songs set to popular tunes. It follows the highwayman Macheath, his ties to Polly and Lucy, and the scheming Peachum and Lockit, while mocking Italian opera, politics, and the justice system. Its tuneful songs and social satire make it rewarding to hear.

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Text source: standardebooks.org · The work is in the public domain.