How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
PEACHUM. What's going on, you haven't given them any money, I hope? Well, ladies how about it? Is Mr Macheath in jail, or isn't he? (3.7.47-48).
Peachum believes that he controls Mac through legal channels, like reporting crime and having him sent to jail for his dastardly behavior. He does, however, use the prostitutes to trap Mac, and will only pay them if he's gotten what he wants. His idea of legality is fuzzy, at best.
Quote #8
PEACHUM. Look here, Brown, since you're passing by, passing, I say, Brown, I may as well ask you to put a certain Macheath under lock and key, it's high time. (3.7.128-130)
Peachum might seem like a concerned citizen by reporting Mac and asking that he be confined to prison, but it's his own freedom he's worried about. Jackie Brown is inspecting Peachum's shop, which is not exactly legit, and Peachum' also irritated that Mac has "married" his daughter Polly, taking away one of his shop's attractions.
Quote #9
MAC. Here hangs Macheath who never wronged a flea
A faithless friend has brought him to this pass.
And as he dangles from the gallowstree
His neck finds out how heavy is his arse. (3.9.203-206)
Mac's confinement is set to end in the ultimate loss of freedom: execution by hanging. Once again, Brecht contrasts the serious subject matter of the play with nursery-rhyme-style poetry. The ABAB rhyme scheme and the crude language clash with the fear of death that Mac must be feeling.