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A review by apriltrepagnier
The Beggar's Opera by John Gay
challenging
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was unfamiliar with this 1728 play by John Gay. However, I will be sitting in on the Readings in English Literature of Restoration/18th Century class at the University of Tennessee Knoxville on Tuesday; I figured it a good idea to get familiar. I am really glad I did.
I learned while studying Shakespeare that I enjoy works such as these more when I can find a well-performed, well-recorded, true-to-the-text stage version to watch while I read. Of course, there is an argument to be made that this skews the reading - director, actor, stage, costume influence, and such - but I have found that if you recognize that fact before going in, the pros outweigh the cons. So, I found a 1983 recording and tucked in.
Y'all, I was delighted. Gay does what many writers attempt and so often fail. He highlighted some gross injustices facing class, justice, and sexism soundly and not so subtlely, without alienation, inflammation, or superciliousness. The scathing satire is highlighted by the use of operatic injections into a scoundrel of a story. (Note: Think "musical" sort of. If this is not your jam, just stick to a reading.) The language may prove problematic to modern readers; the dialogue is flush with derogatory epithets for women. But, taken in context, that seems to be part of Gay's point. I found the work to be honest in all the unfortunate ways and humourous in all the best.
I learned while studying Shakespeare that I enjoy works such as these more when I can find a well-performed, well-recorded, true-to-the-text stage version to watch while I read. Of course, there is an argument to be made that this skews the reading - director, actor, stage, costume influence, and such - but I have found that if you recognize that fact before going in, the pros outweigh the cons. So, I found a 1983 recording and tucked in.
Y'all, I was delighted. Gay does what many writers attempt and so often fail. He highlighted some gross injustices facing class, justice, and sexism soundly and not so subtlely, without alienation, inflammation, or superciliousness. The scathing satire is highlighted by the use of operatic injections into a scoundrel of a story. (Note: Think "musical" sort of. If this is not your jam, just stick to a reading.) The language may prove problematic to modern readers; the dialogue is flush with derogatory epithets for women. But, taken in context, that seems to be part of Gay's point. I found the work to be honest in all the unfortunate ways and humourous in all the best.