The Diary · Chapter
October 1661 explained
In October 1661, Pepys records daily life, including his wife Elizabeth beginning singing lessons, attending plays, borrowing his first money on bond, dealing with family estate matters, and visiting the Theatre.
What happens
In October 1661, Pepys records daily life, including his wife Elizabeth beginning singing lessons, attending plays, borrowing his first money on bond, dealing with family estate matters, and visiting the Theatre. He also notes political rumors about the French ambassador and the King's finances, inspects a ship at Deptford, and reflects on the troubles of managing servants and household affairs.
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 inspects the ship Norwich at Deptford, and discusses naval provisions for the Queen with Mr. Pierce.
- Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys borrows his first money on bond (£50) and discusses the King's finances and Parliament's potential scrutiny.
- Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys records domestic details: Elizabeth's singing lessons, servant troubles, a cold remedy, and household management.
- Theatre and Public Entertainment
Pepys attends plays including Victoria Corombona and Argalus and Parthenia, commenting on the performances.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Records his daily activities, including music lessons, office work, borrowing money, attending plays, and family business.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Begins learning to sing; accompanies Pepys to the Theatre; expresses displeasure with servants.
- Sir William Penn
Accompanies Pepys to Whitehall and to the Dolphin tavern; discusses reluctance to attend Lord Mayor's feast.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys visits his house; his man complains about the English helping Spaniards; preparations for the Queen's provision discussed.
- Mr. Moore
Arranges a bond for Pepys to borrow £50; accompanies Pepys to Mrs. Goldsborough to discuss a family dispute.
- Sir William Batten
Pepys visits his house; hears about Sir R. Slingsby's funeral cancellation; plays cards with Lady Batten.
- Captain Cocke
Merchant who warns Pepys that Parliament may bring trouble by inquiring into the King's disposal of offices and money.
- Mr. Pierce
Purser consulted about items to be sent to Lord Sandwich for the Queen's provision.
Key passages
“I signed a bond to Mr. Battersby, a friend of Mr. Moore's, who lends me £50, the first money that ever I borrowed upon bond for my own occasion”
Pepys borrows £50 from Mr. Battersby, his first loan secured by a bond for personal use.
Financial milestone: first personal bond loan.
“I never had so little pleasure in a play in my life, yet it was the first time that ever I saw it, Victoria Corombona. Methinks a very poor play.”
Pepys finds the play Victoria Corombona disappointing and unenjoyable.
Critical opinion on a contemporary play.
“he tells me it is a very poor dirty place; I mean the City and Court of Lisbon; that the King is a very rude and simple fellow”
Captain Lambert describes Lisbon as poor and dirty, and the King of Portugal as rude and simple.
Contemporary view of Portugal and its monarch.
“I am sorry to find my wife displeased with her maid Doll, whose fault is that she cannot keep her peace, but will always be talking in an angry manner”
Pepys regrets his wife's conflict with the maid Doll, who is talkative and irritable.
Domestic tension with servants.
