I’ll be upon my Guard, and won’t taste a Drop of her Liquor, I’m resolv’d.
Polly really seems to have evolved from the character she was at the beginning of the story. She isn't some love sick damsel that blindly follows after Macheath, she's smart and proves that she's capable of surviving in this world of deceit.
Why, Wench, thou art a Shame to thy very Sex
To say this is to imply that every woman in this timeline is expected to marry in favor of their parent's wishes rather than their own feelings. I'm aware that this is probably very accurate but its still sad.
How the poor Woman takes it to heart!
I also find it interesting (terrible) that the two care more for each other's wellbeing than their daughter's. A fine representation of their selfishness as they overlook their daughter's happiness in favor of their own. Also a lot of gaslighting going on.
See, Wench, to what a Condition you have reduc’d your poor Mother!
I find it interesting (terrible) how the mother's obvious overreaction is being fed into by Mr. Peachum so easily. Makes it more apparent as to why this behavior continues- the two support and compliment each other's dramatics perfectly. They are made for each other.
The Catastrophe is manifestly wrong, for an Opera must end happily. 91 Beggar. Your Objection, Sir, is very just, and is easily remov’d. For you must allow, that in this kind of Drama, ’tis no matter how absurdly things are brought about
I like how by stating that 'in this kind of drama' there aren't any happy endings because it reminds me about the connections that the play is making to real life. It's essentially portraying a more realistic side of humanity with a more morbid kind of justice and that not everyone gets a happy ending.