What do you make of Polly Peachum? Identify one adjective that you think best describes her (or best supplements descriptions your classmates have supplied) and cite some text to support your claim.
Deadline: Monday (10/26), start of class.
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Resolute. Despite her parents' reasoning, which is arguably representative of the predominant view/expectation towards women in the times of the eighteenth century, much of Polly's speech in her exchange with her parents consists of interjections and argument in support of her love for Macheath. Even after her father threatens to "cut [her]throat" and her mother brands her a "slut" (2727), by the end of Act 1, Polly has no regard for much of anything save for the safety of her lover (2743). She is willing to undermine her parents' wishes and maintains her resolute belief in her love for Macheath.
Polly Peachum is extremely candid. She is unable is to see the potential consequences of her reckless actions and she refuses to draw a veil between her naive emotions and common reason. As Polly so helplessly argues with her mother she says "I did not marry him (as 'tis the fashion) coolly and deliberately for honor and money. But, I love him" (2728). Polly's novel relationship with Macheath has blinded and, in a sense, ruined her chastity. She ignorantly ignores tradition for a simple and passionate whim. However, Polly's refusal to adhere to social regulations may represent the coming evolution of modern marriage.
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