Prologue

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of graphic violence and death.&nbsp; A fair in Soho buzzes with beggars, thieves, and sex workers as a <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/ballad-in-literature-definition-examples/">ballad</a> singer introduces the infamous Macheath, also called Mac the Knife. The ballad recounts Macheath’s crimes, from murders and thefts to arson and exploitation. Though his actions leave a trail of death and despair, Macheath remains elusive, outwardly charming, and unbothered by his fame. As Jonathan Peachum (the head of a network of beggars), his wife, and daughter cross the stage, the presence of Macheath casts a shadow over all as he detaches himself from the crowd and walks away.

Prologue Summary

Act I, Scene 1

<a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-threepenny-opera/major-character-analysis/#720462">Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum</a>, who controls and profits from a network of beggars, is in his shop. Peachum begins his day with a cynical hymn on human selfishness and sin, which expresses his own views of the world and his work. Addressing the <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/audience/">audience</a>, he explains that his business depends on stirring pity but that human indifference to repeated suffering makes his work increasingly challenging. He laments the need for constant innovation since even biblical phrases meant to evoke generosity lose their impact over time.

Act I, Scene 1 Summary

Act I, Scene 2

Act I, Scene 2 Summary

Act I, Scene 3

Act I, Scene 3 Summary

Prologue-Act I

Prologue-Act I Analysis

Values & Ideas

Books on Justice & Injustice

Challenging Authority

Social Issues

Class

Society

Plays

Comedies & Satirical Plays

Poverty & Homelessness

Power

School Book List Titles

Sexual Harassment & Violence

Bertolt Brecht

Adult

Play

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Threepenny Opera and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Threepenny Opera Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Threepenny Opera Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Act Summaries & Analyses

The Threepenny Opera Prologue-Act I Summary & Analysis

Act II

The Threepenny Opera Act II Summary & Analysis

Act III

The Threepenny Opera Act III Summary & Analysis

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

character

Character Analysis

The Threepenny Opera Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Threepenny Opera Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Threepenny Opera Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

The Threepenny Opera Literary Devices

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Threepenny Opera Important Quotes with Page Numbers

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Threepenny Opera Essay Topics

The Threepenny Opera

Prologue-Act IChapter Summaries & Analyses

Related Titles

Featured Collections