The Threepenny Opera: Act 3, Scene 2 Summary & Analysis

Lucy sits alone in an attic bedroom in the Old Bailey. Constable Smith knocks at the door and tells her that “Mrs. Polly Macheath” would like to see her. Lucy tells Smith to send Polly in. Polly enters the room, greets Lucy pleasantly, and begins to apologize for her behavior the previous day. She begs Lucy’s forgiveness, and suggests that their fighting was all Macheath’s fault—he’s the one who put the women in such a dreadful position. Lucy tells Polly that Macheath is fond of her, and Polly tells Lucy that she can tell how much Macheath loves her—at the same time, Polly knows that “a man always fears a woman who loves him too much.” Lucy suggests they have both loved Macheath too much, and Polly agrees. 

Polly begins explaining how her love affair with Macheath started—she admits that she first saw him only ten days ago, and that they were married only the day before yesterday. Polly says that just twelve short days ago, she never could have imagined her present situation. She says that since yesterday, when she first discovered just how many crimes Macheath was wanted for, she has been thinking a lot about the man—she now believes he has no heart, but “a stone in its place.” Polly weeps—she knows she’s made a mistake, but now feels Macheath is all that she has.

Lucy tells Polly that the misfortune of bad luck in love can befall any woman—even the cleverest of them. She leaves the room to get Polly a snack to comfort her. When Lucy is gone, Polly devilishly mutters, “The silly little fool!” Lucy returns with coffee and pastry. As the women eat, Polly notices a picture of Macheath in the corner of the room—she asks when he brought it. Lucy insists he didn’t bring it, then accuses Polly of having come to spy around—in turn, Polly accuses Lucy of knowing Macheath’s whereabouts. Lucy insists she doesn’t know. Polly, distressed, says she doesn’t know where he is, either. She can’t believe he’s run out on both of them—but says that she’s at least happy that the “tragedy” with Macheath has brought Lucy to her.

Lucy reveals that she’s been faking her pregnancy to ensnare Macheath. Polly applauds her trickery. Lucy tells Polly that when Macheath is found, Polly should feel free to take him for her own. At the sound of voices outside, both women go to the window. Lucy reports that Macheath is outside—he’s been arrested. Mrs. Peachum appears at the door with widow’s clothes for Polly—Macheath is to be hanged. As Polly changes sheepishly, Mrs. Peachum tells her daughter how beautiful she’ll look once she’s a widow.