HIST 383 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Scriblerus Club, Thief Takers
Document Summary
John gay was born to a family that was stable, but not necessarily wealthy. He attempted to become part of the patronage system but failed to secure a prominent position. Play talks about the rising population - the wealthy were moving west and leaving behind slums. Sense of ironic normalcy surrounding alcoholism, crime, prostitution. Condemns thief takers but praising lawyers even though they were dependant on thieves for their livelihood. The rich and poor were equally moral and immoral. Rewarded the rich, but punished the poor. Peachum represents criminals who run gangs that blackmailed individuals and could either protect them or take them in and make. He seems like a businessman making a rational decision. Operates within and without the boundaries of the law. Role of example of corrupt authority figure. Positions like lockit were bought with a lot of money through the patronage system. The play can be seen as political activism in addition to a political satire.
