Act 1, Scene 3 Summary

The narrator comments that Peachum believes Polly's marriage is a great loss that will destroy his business. Polly, dressed to leave her parents' home, is getting ready to go as Mrs. Peachum crudely accuses her of throwing herself away. Lights and setting change, and the narrator tells the audience that Polly is about to sing. Polly sings about how she used to believe that marrying for love was something she would never do because life can't be ruled by feelings or romance. She fell in love anyway, though, and couldn't say no once the feelings took control.

Once Polly has finished, Peachum and Mrs. Peachum angrily take her to task for marrying a criminal, with Peachum saying that the marriage is going to lead to his ruin. Mrs. Peachum faints because she's so upset. Polly fetches some wine to revive her...