Beggars Opera Satirical Essay
Intentions of Satirical Commentary in John Gay’s Beggars Opera and William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure
In John Gay’s “Beggars Opera” political satire is applied to comically “play” at the political and social issues concerning the 18th century. In the play, the characters of Mrs. And Mr. Peachum discover that their daughter Polly has married the “ Drinking, and Whoring” highway man, Macheath whom they believe will not be able to support their daughter (554). The plot progresses with the Peachums attempting to kill Macheath for money, thus ensuing a storyline full of political and moral satire. In William Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” satirical comedy is applied to allude to both political and religious topics during the 1600s. The telling dramatic comedy unfolds as an absent leader creates chaos in electing a corrupt leader to temporally taking his place, thus …show more content…
Historically, the plot did not focus of the mockery of the current political leader, King James but appeased towards him and even attempts to guide him in the notion of “Law above popularity”. This differs significantly from “The Beggars Opera” by John Gay, as Gay used his plot to progress satirical ideas of rebellion and the absurdity of politics itself. While, William Shakespeare also includes satirical love in his play “Measure for Measure” to progress the plot, and while the characters methods for finding love are absurd, the play ultimately concludes with traditional marriage. The overall traditional plot structure of William Shakespeare’s comedy thus takes away from the impact of the satire taking place as he instills appeasement towards societal expectations with marriage as a plot solution. John Gay however, concludes his opera through highlighting the falsies of humanity itself rather than solidifying the importance of societal status and
In John Gay’s “Beggars Opera” political satire is applied to comically “play” at the political and social issues concerning the 18th century. In the play, the characters of Mrs. And Mr. Peachum discover that their daughter Polly has married the “ Drinking, and Whoring” highway man, Macheath whom they believe will not be able to support their daughter (554). The plot progresses with the Peachums attempting to kill Macheath for money, thus ensuing a storyline full of political and moral satire. In William Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” satirical comedy is applied to allude to both political and religious topics during the 1600s. The telling dramatic comedy unfolds as an absent leader creates chaos in electing a corrupt leader to temporally taking his place, thus …show more content…
Historically, the plot did not focus of the mockery of the current political leader, King James but appeased towards him and even attempts to guide him in the notion of “Law above popularity”. This differs significantly from “The Beggars Opera” by John Gay, as Gay used his plot to progress satirical ideas of rebellion and the absurdity of politics itself. While, William Shakespeare also includes satirical love in his play “Measure for Measure” to progress the plot, and while the characters methods for finding love are absurd, the play ultimately concludes with traditional marriage. The overall traditional plot structure of William Shakespeare’s comedy thus takes away from the impact of the satire taking place as he instills appeasement towards societal expectations with marriage as a plot solution. John Gay however, concludes his opera through highlighting the falsies of humanity itself rather than solidifying the importance of societal status and