The Diary · Chapter
January 1660–61 explained
Pepys reflects on his settled life in the Navy Office, his growing prosperity, and the political landscape of the newly restored monarchy.
What happens
Pepys reflects on his settled life in the Navy Office, his growing prosperity, and the political landscape of the newly restored monarchy. The chapter covers New Year's festivities, his dealings with Lord Sandwich, visits to the theatre, and the public fear of Fifth Monarchy Men uprisings.
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 Exposition.
- 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 attends meetings about paying off ships and regulating Navy officers, reflecting his role in naval bureaucracy.
- Social Ambition and Class
Pepys notes his rising status, dining with nobility, and his satisfaction at being in places where he once petitioned as a scholar.
- Daily Life and Domesticity
Detailed accounts of New Year's breakfast, household preparations, and domestic interactions with servants and family.
- Theatre and Public Entertainment
Pepys attends plays such as 'The Silent Woman' and 'The Widdow,' and comments on performances and actors.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrator and protagonist; records his domestic, professional, and social activities.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Pepys' wife; accompanies him to dinners, church, and social visits.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys' patron; gives him commands regarding business and parliamentary elections.
- Sir William Batten
Navy officer; accompanies Pepys to the Commissioners for paying off the Army and Navy.
- Sir William Penn
Navy officer; Pepys visits him and socializes with his family.
- Mr. Moore
Brings Pepys his fees and assists with Privy Seal business.
- Mr. Hewer
Member of Pepys' household; mentioned as part of his family.
- Roger Pepys
Cousin; Pepys dines at his house and notes his second wife.
Key passages
“I take myself now to be worth £300 clear in money, and all my goods and all manner of debts paid, which are none at all.”
Pepys estimates his net worth at £300, with no debts.
Reflects his financial stability and pride in his thriving condition.
“It is strange what weather we have had all this winter; no cold at all; but the ways are dusty, and the flies fly up and down, and the rosebushes are full of leaves, such a time of the year as was never known in this world before here.”
The winter has been unusually warm, with dust, flies, and rosebushes in leaf.
A remark on anomalous weather conditions.
“It pleased me much now to come in this condition to this place, where I was once a petitioner for my exhibition in Paul’s School; and also where Sir G. Downing (my late master) was chairman, and so but equally concerned with me.”
Pepys feels satisfaction at returning to a place where he once begged for a scholarship, now as an equal to his former master.
Highlights his social ascent.
