Peachum’s Gang

Peachum’s Gang is a fictional group from John Gay’s 18th-century ballad opera "The Beggar’s Opera." Led by Peachum, a character who manages and profits from street beggars, the gang symbolizes organized crime and social order’s complexities. They exploit poverty for personal gain, reflecting themes of corruption, moral ambiguity, and societal greed. The gang’s existence highlights how economic hardship can give rise to illicit networks that regulate and manipulate marginalized populations, illustrating issues of power, ethics, and social dynamics within urban environments.