Adieu, she cried, and waved her lily hand

Adieu, she cried, and waved her lily hand

"Adieu, she cried, and waved her lily hand" is a line from the poem "The Beggar's Opera" by John Gay. This line is spoken by the character Polly Peachum as she bids farewell to her lover Macheath, who is being taken away to prison. The use of the word "adieu" adds a sense of finality and sadness to the scene, as Polly knows that she may never see Macheath again.

The image of Polly waving her "lily hand" adds to the poignancy of the moment. The lily is often associated with purity, innocence, and beauty, and Polly's hand is described as being as delicate and graceful as a lily. This imagery highlights the contrast between Polly's gentle nature and the harsh reality of Macheath's situation. Despite her outward appearance of fragility, Polly shows strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera" is a satirical work that critiques the corruption and hypocrisy of society, particularly the ruling class. The character of Polly Peachum represents the innocence and virtue that is often exploited and betrayed by those in power. Her love for Macheath, a notorious highwayman and womanizer, is a symbol of her defiance against societal norms and expectations.

The line "Adieu, she cried, and waved her lily hand" captures the emotional complexity of Polly's character. She is torn between her love for Macheath and her sense of duty to her family, who disapprove of their relationship. Polly's farewell to Macheath is a moment of both sorrow and strength, as she must come to terms with the harsh realities of their situation.

Overall, this line from "The Beggar's Opera" is a powerful and evocative expression of love, loss, and resilience. It showcases John Gay's skill as a poet in capturing the depth and complexity of human emotions in a few simple words.