How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
And they'll see me as I leave the door next
And they'll say: don't tell us she's the one.
And that ship with eight sails and
All its fifty guns loaded
Will run up its flag. (1.2.342-346)
Polly's strange song about Jenny the Pirate gives us one image of freedom, where a woman who doesn't seem to have many options—a barmaid in a harbor town—suddenly up and attacks the city and leaves on a pirate ship. Finding freedom, then, is a violent, revolutionary act.
Quote #2
BROWN. Well, just for today I'll turn a blind eye. (1.2.398)
Jackie Brown is Mac's old army buddy, so Mac the Knife has a sense of security in his criminal activities because the sheriff is on his side. Turning a blind eye is Brown's specialty, but his phrase "just for today" foreshadows the coming betrayal. Mac's sense of freedom is false.
Quote #3
SMITH. Coming quietly?
MAC. Is there only one way out of this dump?
Smith tries to put the handcuffs on Macheath; Mac gives him a push in the chest and he reels back. Mac jumps out of the window. Outside stands Mrs Peachum with constables.
MAC with poise, very politely. Good afternoon, ma'am. (2.5.132-137)
Even when he's under arrest, Mac doesn't quite believe that his freedom is being taken from him. And he turns out to be right, really. But it's pretty comical. Instead of going along with the sheriff, he jumps out the window. He's so sure that things will turn out okay that he greets Mrs. Peachum as though he were out for a stroll and not running for his life.