Madame Flirt / A Romance of 'The Beggar's Opera'

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

18547

Title

Madame Flirt / A Romance of 'The Beggar's Opera'

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 18th-century London's St. Giles, this romanticized retelling of 'The Beggar's Opera' follows Lavinia Fenton, a talented street singer, and her entanglement with the dashing but doomed Lancelot Vane. Blending high-society intrigue with the gritty underworld, the novel explores themes of love, class, and retribution against a backdrop of mob violence and highwaymen.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the turbulent backdrop of 18th-century London, Charles Edward Pearce's *Madame Flirt* intertwines the lives of poet John Gay, the disgraced Lord Bolingbroke, and the spirited street singer Lavinia Fenton. Forced to perform by her abusive mother in the slums of St. Giles, Lavinia captivates the hearts of both Gay and the reckless Lancelot Vane. Gay offers her paternal protection and financial aid, while Vane becomes her secret love. Their romance is threatened by the chaotic era, highlighted by the recent execution of the notorious thief Jack Sheppard, which incites a violent mob. The narrative escalates dramatically when the highwayman Captain Jeremy Rofflash, who has been stalking Lavinia, murders Vane in a public brawl in Lincoln's Inn Fields. Rofflash flees, pursued by Sally Salisbury, Vane's former lover. The chase leads Rofflash to the hideout of an apothecary, where he attempts to rob the establishment before being overwhelmed by a furious mob. A catastrophic explosion destroys the building, killing Rofflash and ending his reign of terror. Unaware of Vane's death, Lavinia continues her career as the famous 'Pretty Polly Peachum,' achieving immense fame on stage. The story concludes with Lavinia marrying the Duke of Bolton. Despite the tragedy that claimed her heart, she preserves her innocence and artistry, retiring from the stage to live a life of simple tastes. The novel explores themes of class disparity, the danger of the streets, and the enduring power of art and love amidst societal chaos, preserving the memory of 'Pretty Polly' for future generations.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

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Categories

• Romance
• Fiction