What Is The Use Of Satire In In The Beggar's Opera

According to Webster’s Dictionary Online, the definition of satire is, “the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues” (Definition of Satire in English). Early British literature authors created the “era of Satire” with their writing, often poking fun at parliament and royalty, heads of the church, or any other important figures of the time. By doing so, they sparked an interest in readers’ attention by bringing light to taboo subjects, or simply by writing about things that people didn’t have the courage to say. In The Beggar’s Opera, Gulliver’s Travels, Joseph Andrews, as well as a Modest Proposal, the readers
Two characters, Lockit and Peachum, are the examples that Gay uses for this. They both show a great want for monetary gain, but are extremely hypocritical in their methods they go about doing so. The character Peachum has made a career of turning in criminals, which goes completely against the fact that he is a criminal in his own right. More importantly though, Peachum is used as a representation of the middle class during Gay’s time, who were prosperous through their own criminal ways, yet hypocritical when condemning other criminals. As well, Lockit is much the same to Peachum with the fact he hides his criminal ways under his cover of propriety and honor in society. Lockit is the head officer of the prison, which is a respectable position of the time, though he is just as corrupt and dishonest as Peachum. Gay uses both Lockit and Peachum to show that they both are not inherently malicious or evil characters, but they are products of their society, specifically, the 18th century they thrive in. For example, Lockit believes that selfless acts or feelings towards anyone, even if it is love or just loyalty to friends, are commodities that can be used for personal gain. He believes that because such exploitation and manipulation is present within his society, it does not make sense for one not to
The novel captures 18th century social life, manners, and morality all whilst mirroring realism and the faults in mankind’s nature. Throughout the work, Fielding depicts humans as vain, narcissistic, and hypocritical, all hiding each of these traits behind social class and respect. In doing so, Fielding was essentially proclaiming his version of how he truly saw society for what it is, and how everyday English social life was influenced by all these things. An example of this can be seen when looking towards his representation of women in Joseph Andrews, compared to that of 18th century women. During the time, it was not unusual for women of class to be amorous or snobbish to some extent, often flaunting their goods or wealth in society. Thus, Fielding created the characters such as Mrs. Slislop, Betty, and Lady Booby to fit these roles. Lady Booby, for example, finds Joseph’s personality and manliness to be greatly attractive, thus she tries unsuccessfully to gain a sexual advantage from him to sake her own sexual appetite. Just as Lady Booby did, Mrs. Slipslop tries her own ways to retrieve Joseph as her own lover, though she too is unsuccessful. Just as the others, Betty also falls for Joseph and tries her best to gain his favor, but she too, is rejected. Through the representation of these ladies and their actions towards Joseph in the story, Fielding is exposing