How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
See the shark, how red his fins are
As he slashes at his prey.
Mac the Knife wears white kid gloves which
Give the minimum away. (P.9-12)
Similar to the teeth lines, the fin ones reveal Mac's similarity to the killer shark, but with a strong focus on his appearance. According to the song, the shark gets red and bloody when he kills, but Mac looks spotless in his fancy get-up, giving the appearance of a safe gentleman rather than a dangerous criminal.
Quote #2
To combat the increasing callousness of mankind, J. Peachum, a man of business, has opened a shop where the poorest of the poor can acquire an exterior that will touch the hardest of hearts. (1.1.1-4)
Most shops help you improve your appearance, but Peachum's will sell you all the equipment to look as miserable, sick, and as poor as possible. Why, you ask? The better to beg, you see. By giving off the appearance of poverty, the beggars inspire more pity and make more moolah.
Quote #3
PEACHUM. The sight of such types puts a man into an unnatural state where he is willing to part with money. Outfit A: Victim of vehicular progress. The merry paraplegic, always cheerful—He acts it out.—always carefree, emphasized by arm-stump. Outfit B: Victim of the Higher Strategy. Outfit B: Victim of the Higher Strategy. The Tiresome Trembler, molests passers-by, operates by inspiring nausea—He acts it out.—attenuated by medals. (1.1.117-123)
Peachum names his outfits with euphemisms. Outfit A gives the appearance of being a paraplegic, by creating fake amputations. Outfit B puts medals on the beggar's chest to give the appearance of being a veteran. The euphemisms, "victim of vehicular progress" (a.k.a., has been run over) and "victim of the higher strategy" (a.k.a., a pawn in the nation's military strategy) are ironically positive spins on terrible circumstances.