The Diary · Chapter
October 1668 explained
Pepys navigates office politics, securing a place for Mr.
What happens
Pepys navigates office politics, securing a place for Mr. Hater, while indulging in domestic pleasures: choosing hangings, a coach, and attending plays. He also meets Lord Middleton, hears of Creed's marriage to Mrs. Pickering, and learns of Sir Gilbert Pickering's death.
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 maneuvers to secure the Storekeeper's place at Deptford for Mr. Hater, dealing with petitions and seniority.
- Social Ambition and Class
Pepys and his wife eagerly plan to buy a coach, new hangings, and a bed, reflecting their rising status.
- Theatre and Public Entertainment
Pepys attends multiple plays, including 'The Faythful Shepherdess' and 'The Queen of Arragon', and praises a French eunuch singer.
- Daily Life and Domesticity
Domestic activities include reading, combing hair, hiring a new maid, and shopping for household furnishings.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrator and protagonist; busy with office business, domestic purchases, and social engagements.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Accompanies Pepys to plays and upholsterers; shares joy over the new coach.
- Sir William Penn
Pepys speaks with him about Mr. Hater's place; later they attend a play together.
- Lord Brouncker
Pepys secures his assent for T. Hater's place; also involved with the Royal Society.
- Mr. Hewer
Assists Pepys with papers and accompanies the family to the playhouse.
- Mr. Creed
Recently married to Mrs. Pickering; Pepys meets him at Lord Sandwich's lodgings.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Returns to town; Pepys visits his lodgings.
- Sir William Coventry
Mentioned indirectly as 'Mr. Wren' reports on James Southern's petition.
Key passages
“I did this day find by discourse with somebody, that this nobleman was the great Major-General Middleton, that was of the Scots army, in the beginning of the late war against the King.”
Pepys learns that Lord Middleton was a prominent Scottish general early in the civil war against the King.
Historical revelation about Lord Middleton's past.
“I did light on one for which I bid £50, which do please me mightily, and I believe I shall have it.”
Pepys finds a coach he likes and offers £50 for it, feeling confident the deal will go through.
Pepys's excitement about acquiring a coach.
“I could never have expected, but it is done about seven or ten days since, as I hear out of the country.”
Pepys is surprised to learn that Creed married Mrs. Pickering about a week or ten days ago, news that came from the countryside.
Pepys's reaction to Creed's unexpected marriage.
