Gano, Imbang Anghelina P.

December 2, 2022
AB- Political Science 2B
Activity: Book review

“The Diary of Samuel Pepys”

Have you ever felt like the moment you close a book after a long read, that you are saying
farewell to an old friend? That is how I feel about finishing and watching all about Samuel
Pepys’ Diary online. For those who are not familiar with Samuel Pepys, he was a 17 th century
English government administrator and famous for a diary that he kept for a decade from the year
1660 to 1669. He lived through the great plague of London, providing eyewitness accounts and
perspectives since he grew up with poor health. It gave him a perspective of living the life to the
fullest.
Author’s background:
 In 1655, Pepys married 15-year-old Elizabeth Marchant de Saint-Michel, daughter of
Huguenot exile.
 In 1658, he underwent a dangerous operation for the removal of a bladder stone. Every
year on the anniversary of the operation, he celebrated his recovery.
 He began writing his diary in January 1660.
 In June 1660, Pepys was appointed clerk of the acts to the navy board.
 In 1679, Pepys was forces to resign from the Admiralty and was imprisoned.
 Pepys died in Clap ham on the outskirts of London on May 26, 1703.
The Diary of Samuel Pepys’ Background:
The Diary deals with some of the most dramatic events in English history. Samuel Pepys
witnessed the London fire, The Great Plague, The Restoration of Charles II, and the Dutch wars.
The diary wasn't written in code but in a form of shorthand called tachygraphy. Tachygraphy
means the art or practice of rapid writing. In other words, cursive writing.
Plot Summary:
1660
The Diary of Samuel Pepys chronicles the lives of Pepys, his wife Elizabeth, and their family
during the reign of Charles II. Pepys records many experiences where he looks at, kisses, and
"dallies with" other women, a trend that will slowly invoke the ire of his wife. He also notes how
his excessive drinking is making him ill on a number of occasions.
1661
Pepys is present at the Coronation for Charles II, witnessed the event itself and then takes part
in the celebration afterwards. He goes to see Shakespeare's Hamlet and cures a hangover by
drinking hot chocolate after going to see it the next morning.
1662
In it, Pepys describes his relationship with Lady Castle Maine, a mistress of the court, and
how he refuses to read a letter from his wife telling him she is unhappy with their marriage.
1663
Pepys's wife tries again to talk about their marital problems but he will hear none of it. Pepys
hears many accounts about the various scandals going on at Whitehall. He is shunning the
company of his wife in favor of Lady Castle Maine and Lady Stewart. The queen grows ill and
news arrives that the bubonic plague is in Amsterdam.
1664
On February 9 the Dutch take control of the southern seas near India and restrict trade to all
but themselves. News of the plague's advancement toward England increases. The king passes a
bill in the House of Commons repealing both the Triennial Act and the Writs of Errour.
1665
In 1665, England declares war on Holland, starting the second Anglo-Dutch War. Pepys stays
behind to help keep the Royal Navy's affairs in order. The plague hits London, and Pepys
bravely chooses to stay behind to keep the city from dying out.
1666
The Great Fire of London is started by accident on September 2 and it lasts for three days.
Pepys's house is across the Thames River and is not in danger. After three days the fire appears
to be out, but the next day the fire starts again and rages for a couple more days.
1667
Pepys sees Shakespeare's Macbeth and enjoys it. A pregnant Lady Castle Maine is sent away
from the court but she vows that the king will own her child. The Royal Navy loses the battle
against the Dutch and the British people blame it on its sailors.
1668
Rumors spread about a possible dissolution of Parliament and Pepys begins bloodlettings to
try to cure his eyes. By December Pepys has enough money to buy his own coach.
1669
Pepys's wife is sick again at the beginning of the year. Pepys fights in court to try to remove
the corrupt element from the Royal Navy. Thinking he is going blind from the strain, Pepys
officially ends The Diary of Samuel Pepys on May 31, 1669.

Lesson Learned:
“The Diary of Samuel Pepys” by Samuel Pepys himself, despite being published in the 1960s,
I would say is still relevant today.
The diary of Samuel Pepys gave me an observed realistically account of life during the
17th century, from the devastation of war and plague, to the triumphant return of Charles II.
Although things were different then, the topics of the movie is an eye-opener in our generation
today. With this, there are key themes that I found pretty interesting in the book such as personal
sexual infidelity, sexual infidelity in the court of the kin, gender roles, and personalizing the
grander events of history. In fact, the movie helped me realize several issues that the story talked
about.
What I like about the movie is that, it is almost set up in the perspective of Samuel Pepys
himself since he has been a witnessed of the events happened during his time, that what makes it
realistic. In fact, it is based on true events.
I have encountered symbols in the story such as the London Bridge burning. The bridge is a
symbol of the city and its gate from the water. Even in times of crisis, war, and invasion. It stood
strong and fall, symbolizing strength and in some ways safety. Now that it is threatened by the
fire, the city seems far less safe than it once did. This is a symbol of the fire’s might threatened
the future of the city itself.