# June 1663 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys navigates domestic tensions with his wife Elizabeth, confronts corruption in naval tar contracts, and enjoys social engagements including a dinner with Lord Sandwich. He also attends a play, deals with household disputes, and reflects on his finances and marriage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys confronts Sir W. Batten's corrupt pricing of tar and reports to Sir G. Carteret.

### Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality

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

### Money, Debt, and Economy

Pepys discusses saving money with Elizabeth and deals with tar pricing disputes.

### Theatre and Public Entertainment

Pepys attends 'The Faithful Shepherdess' and notes the fashion of vizards.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Narrator and protagonist; manages office business, domestic disputes, and social visits.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Pepys's wife; tensions arise over household matters and her association with Ashwell.

### Sir William Batten

Naval colleague; Pepys opposes his corrupt tar dealings and receives a bribe of sturgeon.

### Sir John Minnes

Naval official; accompanies Pepys to the Duke and discusses beauty at dinner.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Pepys's patron; hosts a dinner with skeptical talk of spirits and compliments Pepys's wife.

### Sir William Coventry

Naval administrator; meets with Pepys and the Duke about office business.

### Mr. Creed

Discusses mathematics and duodecimal arithmetic with Pepys.

### Sir George Carteret

Naval official; Pepys informs him about Batten's corrupt tar dealings.

## Key lines

> It troubles me to see that every small thing is enough nowadays to bring a difference between us.

Pepys is distressed that trivial matters now cause arguments with his wife.

_Reflects growing marital strain._

> I am quite out of opinion with any of their actings, but Lacy's, compared with the other house.

Pepys is unimpressed with most actors except Lacy, compared to another theater company.

_Critique of theatrical performances._

> I will not have the King abused so abominably in the price of what we buy, by Sir W. Batten's corruption and underhand dealing.

Pepys refuses to let the King be cheated by Batten's corrupt pricing.

_Shows Pepys's commitment to integrity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1663
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters