In a short speech to Polly, Macheath hyperbolically satirizes the materialistic priorities of various classes of London society.
Is there any Power, any Force that could tear me from thee? You might sooner tear a Pension out of the Hands of a Courtier, a Fee from a Lawyer, a pretty Woman from a Looking-glass, or any Woman from Quadrille.—But to tear me from thee is impossible!
This scene is Macheath’s introduction to the stage, and his flattering, ingratiating speech proves that he has earned his reputation as a wily figure. He assures Polly that he has remained faithful to her in his absence, insisting in a hyperbole that it would be “impossible” for “any Power” or “Force” to separate him from her. He is lying—he has no intention of marrying Polly and has made similar promises to no fewer than eight other women—but at this moment it is important for him to stay in her good graces in order to gain information about her father, Peachum.
In his attempt to reassure Polly, Macheath satirizes various classes in London society, demonstrating his cynical understanding of political corruption and human vanity. He insists that he could no more tear himself away from Polly than someone could “tear a Pension out of the Hands of a Courtier,” mocking those figures in the London courts who sought funding and patronage from the wealthy. Next, he satirizes lawyers who could never be compelled to surrender a “fee,” attractive women who are attached to their “Looking-glass” or mirror, and any woman who above all else enjoys a “Quadrille” (a popular dance performed in courts). Macheath, then, indicates that these various groups of people are obsessed with materialistic concerns like money and fashion.
