The second finale further develops the arbitrariness of
values that is at the center of the play. Traditional moral values
would attempt to purge the characters of personal sins such as adultery,
violence, gluttony, and greed. To sort out those problems, however, Macheath
argues that one first has to sort out the problem of the starving
millions, whom society continues to profit from. So long as one
lives in a society in which the pursuit of self-interest is rewarded, the
Peachums and the Macheaths alike will thrive. All the moralizing
in the world will not change people from only thinking of themselves.
As with the first finale, the argument is intentionally open-ended.
This argument forces the audience to consider the situation and
come up with a solution. The audience sees that most of the characters
have turned to self-interest, and therefore, they are left to face
the question of how to end the oppression that exists in society.
