The Diary · Chapter
September 1663 explained
Pepys navigates domestic tensions, naval administration, and personal temptations.
What happens
Pepys navigates domestic tensions, naval administration, and personal temptations. He reprimands his brother John for poor studies, attends a trial for a thieving maid, dines with the Lord Mayor, and travels to Brampton. He struggles with guilt over his infidelity and takes pride in his home improvements.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys deals with naval contracts, the debt dispute with Sir G. Carteret, and Batten's criticism of his mast bargain.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys manages household tensions, fits his wife's closet, and enjoys the comfort of home after travel.
Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
Pepys struggles with guilt over his attempted infidelity with Mrs. Lane and reflects on his wife's hard work.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Records his daily activities, including office work, reprimanding his brother, and dealing with personal guilt.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Shows discontent with John Pepys's presence; busy fitting her closet; receives a gift of shells.
- Sir John Minnes
Accompanies Pepys to Whitehall and the Old Bailey; speaks foolishly before the Lords.
- Sir William Batten
Attends the Council with Pepys; later inveighs against Pepys's contract for masts.
- Sir William Penn
Meets with Pepys at the office; visits Pepys's home with his daughter.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys visits Hinchingbroke and discusses garden improvements with him.
- Mr. Sheply
Walks with Pepys at Hinchingbroke.
- Sir W. Warren
Discusses the bargain of masts with Pepys to Pepys's satisfaction.
Key passages
“I got my bill among others for my carved work (which I expected to have paid for myself) signed at the table, and hope to get the money back again, though if the rest had not got it paid by the King, I never intended nor did desire to have him pay for my vanity.”
Pepys had his bill for decorative carving signed, hoping to be reimbursed, but admits he would not have asked the King to pay for his personal vanity if others hadn't done so.
Reflects Pepys's opportunistic approach to naval expenses and his awareness of personal vanity.
“I did give him a most severe reprimand for his bad account he gives me of his studies. This I did with great passion and sharp words, which I was sorry to be forced to say, but that I think it for his good, forswearing doing anything for him, and that which I have yet, and now do give him, is against my heart, and will also be hereafter, till I do see him give me a better account of his studies.”
Pepys angrily scolds his brother John for neglecting his studies, vowing to withhold further support until John improves.
Highlights Pepys's role as a stern family patriarch and his concern for education and responsibility.
“I took her over to Lambeth, where we were lately, and there, did what I would with her, but only the main thing, which she would not consent to, for which God be praised. … But, trust in the Lord, I shall never do so again while live.”
Pepys meets Mrs. Lane and engages in sexual activity short of intercourse, then vows to reform.
Illustrates Pepys's recurring struggle with lust and his religious guilt.
