# October 1668 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys navigates office politics, securing a place for Mr. Hater, while indulging in domestic pleasures: choosing hangings, a coach, and attending plays. He also meets Lord Middleton, hears of Creed's marriage to Mrs. Pickering, and learns of Sir Gilbert Pickering's death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys maneuvers to secure the Storekeeper's place at Deptford for Mr. Hater, dealing with petitions and seniority.

### Social Ambition and Class

Pepys and his wife eagerly plan to buy a coach, new hangings, and a bed, reflecting their rising status.

### Theatre and Public Entertainment

Pepys attends multiple plays, including 'The Faythful Shepherdess' and 'The Queen of Arragon', and praises a French eunuch singer.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Domestic activities include reading, combing hair, hiring a new maid, and shopping for household furnishings.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Narrator and protagonist; busy with office business, domestic purchases, and social engagements.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Accompanies Pepys to plays and upholsterers; shares joy over the new coach.

### Sir William Penn

Pepys speaks with him about Mr. Hater's place; later they attend a play together.

### Lord Brouncker

Pepys secures his assent for T. Hater's place; also involved with the Royal Society.

### Mr. Hewer

Assists Pepys with papers and accompanies the family to the playhouse.

### Mr. Creed

Recently married to Mrs. Pickering; Pepys meets him at Lord Sandwich's lodgings.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Returns to town; Pepys visits his lodgings.

### Sir William Coventry

Mentioned indirectly as 'Mr. Wren' reports on James Southern's petition.

## Key lines

> I did this day find by discourse with somebody, that this nobleman was the great Major-General Middleton, that was of the Scots army, in the beginning of the late war against the King.

Pepys learns that Lord Middleton was a prominent Scottish general early in the civil war against the King.

_Historical revelation about Lord Middleton's past._

> I did light on one for which I bid £50, which do please me mightily, and I believe I shall have it.

Pepys finds a coach he likes and offers £50 for it, feeling confident the deal will go through.

_Pepys's excitement about acquiring a coach._

> I could never have expected, but it is done about seven or ten days since, as I hear out of the country.

Pepys is surprised to learn that Creed married Mrs. Pickering about a week or ten days ago, news that came from the countryside.

_Pepys's reaction to Creed's unexpected marriage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/october-1668
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters