The Diary · Chapter
November 1661 explained
Pepys records a month of social engagements, naval administration, and domestic life.
What happens
Pepys records a month of social engagements, naval administration, and domestic life. He dines with Sir W. Penn, attends plays, and deals with office business. He beats his servant Wayneman for a gunpowder accident, discusses finances with his wife and Lady Sandwich, and visits a gaming house and dancing school for the first time. He also waits upon the Duke of York and worries about his expenses.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys attends to office duties, welcomes Sir John Minnes as comptroller, and presents a letter to the Duke of York about the Navy's financial state.
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys worries about his expenses, spends £6 on lace for his wife, and discusses legal debts with Tom Trice.
Theatre and Public Entertainment
Pepys attends plays such as 'The Joviall Crew', 'The Bondman', and 'Father's Own Son', and visits Bartholomew Fair and a gaming house.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys beats his servant Wayneman for a gunpowder accident, discusses household expenses with his wife, and moves to the little green chamber.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrator and central figure; attends plays, manages office affairs, and reflects on his spending.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Pepys's wife; accompanies him to Whitehall and the Opera, and discusses lace purchases with Lady Sandwich.
- Sir William Penn
Naval colleague; dines and travels with Pepys, and accompanies him to Westminster and the theatre.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Referenced as 'my Lord' and 'my Lady's' husband; Pepys visits the Wardrobe and dines with Lady Sandwich.
- Sir William Batten
Naval official; mentioned in social contexts and at the office.
- Sir John Minnes
New comptroller of the Navy; fetched to his place in the office and described as a fine gentleman.
- Mr. Creed
Mentioned as 'Mr. Creed' in the context of the Wardrobe and legal matters.
- Mr. Moore
Accompanies Pepys to the Saracen's Head and to Tom Trice's regarding legal business.
Key passages
“I did extremely beat him, and though it did trouble me to do it, yet I thought it necessary to do it.”
Pepys severely beat his servant Wayneman for lying about a gunpowder incident, feeling troubled but believing it was necessary.
Reflects Pepys's strict disciplinary approach and his conflicted feelings about corporal punishment.
“I pray God keep me so to order myself and my wife's expenses that no inconvenience in purse or honour follow this my prodigality.”
Pepys hopes that his spending on lace for his wife will not lead to financial or reputational trouble.
Highlights Pepys's anxiety about money and his desire to maintain social standing.
“I do not in myself like to have young girls exposed to so much vanity.”
Pepys disapproves of young girls being subjected to vanity at a dancing school.
Shows Pepys's moral concerns about public entertainment and the upbringing of youth.
