The Diary · Chapter
January 1667–68 explained
Pepys begins the new year with accounts and dines with Lord Crew, discussing cheap corn, the Archbishop's disgrace, and a prophecy from Sidney's life.
What happens
Pepys begins the new year with accounts and dines with Lord Crew, discussing cheap corn, the Archbishop's disgrace, and a prophecy from Sidney's life. He attends a play, observes gambling at the Groome-Porter's, and later deals with the suicide of Kate Joyce's husband, securing the King's grant of the estate to the widow. He also visits the Exchange, buys a play, and hears news of a league with Holland against France.
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
- Money, Debt, and Economy
Discussions of cheap corn, farmers unable to pay rent, and Pepys's loss on the Maybolt.
- Political Intrigue and Restoration
King's reduction of Guards, league with Holland, and the Archbishop's disgrace.
- Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys's domestic routines, wife's illness, and the suicide of Kate Joyce's husband.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrator and central figure; manages accounts, attends plays, intervenes in Joyce's suicide case.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Pepys's wife; dines with Mrs. Pierce, is ill on the 19th, and accompanies Pepys on outings.
- Mr. Hewer
Dines with Mrs. Pierce, accompanies Pepys to Kate Joyce's, and discusses naval matters.
- Sir William Coventry
Assists Pepys in securing the King's grant for Joyce's estate.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Hosts dinner; discusses corn prices, the Archbishop's disgrace, and a story about Mr. Newman.
Key passages
“they did talk much of the present cheapness of corne, even to a miracle; so as their farmers can pay no rent, but do fling up their lands; and would pay in corne”
They discussed the astonishingly low price of corn, which left farmers unable to pay rent, causing them to abandon their lands and offer corn as payment.
Reflects economic hardship and agricultural crisis.
“I do clearly see that they do improve in their acting of it”
I can clearly see that the actors are getting better at performing the play.
Pepys's observation on theatrical improvement.
“he confessed his doing the thing, being led by the Devil; and do declare his reason to be, his trouble that he found in having forgot to serve God as he ought, since he come to this new employment”
He admitted to the act, claiming he was led by the Devil, and explained that his distress came from neglecting his duty to God after starting his new job.
Explanation for Joyce's suicide attempt.
“the King, without more ado, granted that, if it was found, the estate should be to the widow and children”
The King immediately agreed that, if the death was ruled a suicide, the estate would go to the widow and children.
King's intervention to protect Joyce's family.
