The Diary · Chapter
February 1666–67 explained
Pepys navigates office politics, personal finances, and domestic life.
What happens
Pepys navigates office politics, personal finances, and domestic life. He observes tensions between Lord Brouncker and Sir W. Batten over the Carcasse affair, attends a meager wedding dinner for Sir W. Penn's daughter, and turns 34, reflecting on his health and estate. He also visits Bagwell's wife, catalogues his books, and notes the prorogation of Parliament.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys deals with the Carcasse affair, double tickets, and disputes between Lord Brouncker and Sir W. Batten; examines petty warrants and Victuallers' accounts.
Social Ambition and Class
Pepys contrasts his own prosperity with the 'poorness and meanness' of Sir W. Penn's household; reflects on his estate at age 34.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys catalogues his books, plays violin and bass with his brother, receives a new silver snuffe-dish, and teaches Barker to sing.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Turns 34, reflects on his health and estate; engages in office politics and personal affairs.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Attends Sir W. Penn's wedding dinner; discusses the meanness of their neighbors with Pepys.
- Sir William Batten
Feuds with Lord Brouncker over Carcasse; persecutes Carcasse with rancor; attends Parliament prorogation.
- Sir William Penn
Hosts a poor wedding dinner for his daughter; clashes with Lord Brouncker over examination methods; rants after Brouncker leaves the office.
- Lord Brouncker
Concerned with the Carcasse affair against Sir W. Batten; leaves the office after a dispute with Sir W. Penn.
- Sir John Minnes
Present at the office to examine Jones regarding the Carcasse affair.
- Mr. Hewer
Mentioned as Pepys's clerk; Pepys gives him money for his journey.
- Roger Pepys
Pepys's brother John takes leave to go to Brampton; Pepys reflects on being left without a brother or sister.
Key passages
“This day I am, by the blessing of God, 34 years old, in very good health and mind's content, and in condition of estate much beyond whatever my friends could expect of a child of theirs, this day 34 years.”
Pepys thanks God for his health and wealth on his 34th birthday, noting his estate exceeds his family's expectations.
Pepys reflects on his personal fortune and gratitude.
“It is strange to see how, though I do believe this fellow to be a rogue, and could be contented to have him removed, yet to see him persecuted by Sir W. Batten, who is as bad himself, and that with so much rancour, I am almost the fellow's friend.”
Pepys finds it ironic that he sympathizes with Carcasse, a rogue, because Sir W. Batten persecutes him with such viciousness, despite Batten being equally corrupt.
Pepys observes the hypocrisy in the office feud.
“At dinner we talked much of Cromwell; all saying he was a brave fellow, and did owe his crown he got to himself as much as any man that ever got one.”
During dinner, the company praised Cromwell as a self-made man who earned his position through his own efforts.
Discussion of Cromwell's legacy among Pepys's circle.
