Alms! Alms!

The song "Alms! Alms!" from the musical *Sweeney Todd* paints a vivid picture of desperation and societal decay in Victorian London. The beggar woman, a recurring character in the musical, pleads for alms on a cold morning, highlighting her miserable condition. Her plea is not just for money but also a cry for help, reflecting the harsh realities faced by the impoverished in that era. The repetition of the word "miserable" underscores the depth of her suffering and the bleakness of her existence.

The interaction between Antony and the beggar woman adds a layer of intrigue and foreboding. Antony's inquiry about the house and the young lady residing there introduces Johanna, Judge Turpin's ward. The beggar woman's response reveals the oppressive control the Judge exerts over Johanna, keeping her locked away and isolated. This exchange sets the stage for the central conflict of the story, where themes of power, control, and rebellion are explored. The beggar woman's warning to Antony about the consequences of trespassing hints at the dangers lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly civilized society.

The beggar woman's sudden shift to a more suggestive tone, offering herself in exchange for money, further emphasizes her desperation. Her crude propositions reflect the lengths to which she is willing to go to survive. This moment also serves as a commentary on the exploitation and objectification of women, particularly those in vulnerable positions. The juxtaposition of her pitiful plea for alms with her suggestive offers creates a stark contrast, highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of human behavior in the face of extreme hardship.