# February 1666–67 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1666-67
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters