Who Polly Peachum is
Polly Peachum grows up in a household where crime is a business and people are measured by their usefulness. Her father receives stolen goods and informs on thieves, while her mother shares his concern for profit.
Polly's sincere feelings contrast with the calculations that shape her parents' dealings. Her songs express a belief in love that the cold talk around her does not share.
What Polly Peachum wants
Polly wants to remain true to Macheath, whom she marries without her parents' knowledge. She treats marriage as a real bond, while her parents consider what it might bring them.
When she learns that they plan to have Macheath arrested, she warns him of the danger. Her loyalty leads her to choose her husband over her family's wishes.
Polly Peachum and the others in the story
Macheath promises Polly that he will be faithful and hide until the danger passes. His attraction to other women puts his promises at odds with her trust.
At Newgate prison, Polly meets Lucy Lockit, who says Macheath has promised to marry her. Their rivalry mixes wounded feeling with comedy, while showing how both women suffer from his behavior.
Questions
Who is Polly Peachum?
Polly Peachum is Mr Peachum's daughter and Macheath's secretly married wife.
Why do Polly's parents oppose her marriage?
They judge the marriage through money and advantage rather than love. They see Macheath's arrest as a way to gain a reward and leave Polly available for another match.
How is Polly related to Lucy Lockit?
Polly and Lucy are rivals for Macheath, not relatives. Polly is his wife, while Lucy says he has promised to marry her.