criticism and the Old Bailey – Cheap Research Essays

Instructions:

Please write a splendid essay that engages with the following prompts.

1. What do the literary texts that we have read have to say about the law and corruption? Do they depict a world where the law is just and fairly enforced? Does it seem like either (or both) of these books is attempting to critique or overturn the law? Or do these books work to confirm that law in their fictional account of law-breakers. Remember, you can talk about any kind of law here—criminal, religious, matrimonial, etc.

2. The Beggar’s Opera consistently points out the corruption in eighteenth century English society by linking the misdeeds of lowlifes and criminals with the actions of the great and powerful. Consider Gay’s critique in light of the reality of crime and punishment that is to be seen in the Old Baily archives (and/or Moore’s book). How does money and power affect justice in the period?

Please be sure that you do the following:

Develop an argument for a specific thesis by:

a. engaging with the literary criticism you have read/researched; or

b. drawing on cases and or statistics you have researched in the Old Bailey Database; or

c. using a combination of the two.

Please use the criticism and the Old Bailey or both, but you cannot write an essay that doesn’t bring in some sort of outside evidence or ideas. Also, include a brief comparison with Jonathan wild. Information on Wild can be found on the Old Bailey website.

References to be use: Gay’s critique, John Gay, The Beggar’s Opera (Penguin, 1987) ISBN: 978-0140432206, and the Old Bailey database.