# How does The Diary develop the theme of Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality?

> The Diary by Samuel Pepys

## Answer

The Diary by Samuel Pepys develops Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The diary explores Pepys' marriage to Elizabeth, his frequent infidelities with servants and actresses, and the double standards of gender, alongside gossip about royal and noble sexual scandals.

The falling out between Lord and Lady Castlemaine over the christening of their child, and her removal of household goods.

Domestic tensions with Elizabeth over the boy and Ashwell; Pepys's jealousy of Pembleton.

Observations of the Queen, Lady Castlemaine, and Mrs. Stewart at court, including the King's coldness toward Castlemaine and Pepys's own fantasies.

## Evidence

- [july-1662](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/july-1662.md): The falling out between Lord and Lady Castlemaine over the christening of their child, and her removal of household goods.
- [june-1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1663.md): Domestic tensions with Elizabeth over the boy and Ashwell; Pepys's jealousy of Pembleton.
- [july-1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/july-1663.md): Observations of the Queen, Lady Castlemaine, and Mrs. Stewart at court, including the King's coldness toward Castlemaine and Pepys's own fantasies.
- [august-1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/august-1663.md): Pepys's jealousy over his wife's dancing master Pembleton and domestic conflicts with Elizabeth over Ashwell.
- [september-1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/september-1663.md): Pepys struggles with guilt over his attempted infidelity with Mrs. Lane and reflects on his wife's hard work.
- [november-1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1663.md): Pepys and Elizabeth have a heated quarrel over a servant's lie, but reconcile before bed.
- [march-1663-64](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1663-64.md): Pepys's conflict with Elizabeth over the laced gown and the dog-breeding incident reveal domestic tensions and gendered expectations.
- [june-1664](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1664.md): Pepys and Elizabeth argue about her going out; she cries and later seeks reconciliation.

## Links

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