The Diary · Chapter
April 1667 explained
In April 1667, Pepys navigates the Navy's dire financial straits, confronts internal office conflicts, and receives news of a potential peace.
What happens
In April 1667, Pepys navigates the Navy's dire financial straits, confronts internal office conflicts, and receives news of a potential peace. He also enjoys domestic pleasures, including singing with his wife and maids, and learns of a match for Lord Hinchingbroke.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the news of the impending naval battle throws the Board into…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys and Coventry discuss the Navy's lack of funds and internal conflicts, highlighting administrative decay.
- Political Intrigue and Restoration
Carteret's private talk about Lord Sandwich's return and potential appointment as Lord Treasurer reveals court maneuvering.
- Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys enjoys walks, singing with his wife and maids, and notes domestic gossip about neighbors.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Records his daily activities, including office work, social visits, and domestic life.
- Sir William Coventry
Discusses the need for peace due to lack of funds and criticizes Sir G. Carteret's inaction on money matters.
- Sir George Carteret
Shows discontent over naval administration and shares private plans for Lord Sandwich's return and a match for Lord Hinchingbroke.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Accompanies Pepys on walks and sings with him at home.
- Sir William Penn
Mentioned in gossip about his family's poor household management despite outward show.
- Lord Brouncker
Involved in office disputes over Carcasse's case, with Pett eager to use it against him.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Expected home soon; discussed as a potential Lord Treasurer and for his son's marriage arrangement.
- Mr. Hewer
Mentioned as part of Pepys's household, though not directly active in this chapter.
Key passages
“he flatly owns that we must have a peace, for we cannot set out a fleet”
Coventry admits that peace is unavoidable because the Navy cannot afford to equip a fleet.
Highlights the dire financial state of the Navy.
“I did pacify all I could, and then away by water home”
Pepys calmed the situation and then returned home by boat.
Shows Pepys's role as a mediator in office disputes.
“he could wish, when my Lord comes, that he would think fit to forbear playing, as a thing below him”
Carteret hopes Lord Sandwich will stop gambling, which he sees as beneath his dignity.
Reflects contemporary attitudes toward gambling and social status.
