Theatre and art : Gay and Hogarth - art imitating life or life imitating art?

Abstract

This lesson is a look at the satirical take on corruption in 18th century England, both in terms of government (The Beggar’s Opera) and metropolitan London (A Harlot’s Progress). Topics to be discussed: • General idea on satire • John Gay’s The Beggar’s opera (1728) o Popular reception o Critical reception • William Hogarth’s A Harlot Progress (1732)