# November 1665 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys navigates professional duties and personal reflections amid the waning plague. He discusses merit versus favor, inspects naval affairs at Erith, visits the Fleet, and enjoys social calls with Evelyn and others. He also manages prize goods disputes, prepares to return home, and rejoices in the declining plague numbers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys manages victualling, prize goods disputes, and Tangier boats, highlighting the intersection of duty and personal profit.

### Social Ambition and Class

Pepys marvels at his rise from mean beginnings and the respect he receives, reflecting on merit versus favor.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Pepys and Elizabeth prepare to return home as the plague abates, dealing with lodgings and household goods.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Reflects on his rise by chance and diligence, manages victualling business, and navigates court factions.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Returns to Greenwich lodgings and helps prepare goods for moving back home.

### Sir William Batten

Accompanies Pepys to Erith and Mrs. Williams's lodgings for Lord Brouncker's birthday.

### Lord Brouncker

Celebrates his birthday with green ribands and hosts Pepys at Erith.

### Captain Cocke

Dines with Pepys, discusses prize goods and the King's matters, and travels with him.

### Sir W. Warren

Settles the Tangier boats business with Pepys, yielding over £100 profit.

### Mr. Evelyn

Shows Pepys a 100-year-old Navy ledger and historical letters; gifts the ledger to Pepys.

### Sir William Coventry

Corresponded with regarding Hambro fleet pilots; envies Lord Sandwich.

## Key lines

> how little merit do prevail in the world, but only favour; and that, for myself, chance without merit brought me in; and that diligence only keeps me so

Merit counts for little; favor and chance got me my position, and hard work keeps me there.

_Pepys reflects on his career advancement with Mr. Hill._

> Great joy we have this week in the weekly Bill, it being come to 544 in all, and but 333 of the plague; so that we are encouraged to get to London soon as we can.

We are overjoyed that the plague deaths have dropped to 333, encouraging us to return to London.

_Pepys notes the declining plague numbers and plans to move back._

> I sent for little Mrs. Frances Tooker, and after they were gone I sat dallying with her an hour, doing what I would with my hands about her.

I summoned young Mrs. Frances Tooker and spent an hour fondling her freely.

_Pepys records a moment of physical intimacy with Frances Tooker._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1665
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters