Samuel Pepys' Diary: Intimate Insight into 17th Century London - Essay Sample

Introduction

Samuel Pepys reserved a diary of approximately ten years, from July 1st 1660 to May 31st 1669. It is among the most important diaries since it offers a comprehensive insight into Pepys's life and historical events in 17th century London. The diary is like a book of ironies precisely because Pepys is an eye-witness in the history of events in the City. He was a man, narcissistic enough to see every life-changing event in the City but the experience only affects him personally. Pepys journal is deliberated as the best diary in English language. He wrote about changes in the City, which resulted in a great fire that razed landmarks in the City to the ground. The purpose of this essay is to analyze how Pepys frankly reveals the national and political events, and his personal life, including the copious extramarital affairs.

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The purpose of the diary serves as a record of the conflictive political situation in England together with Pepys's intimate aspects. For example, Pepys witnesses the hanging of Major General Harrison in revenge for the King at Charing Cross (Pepys 26). Despite the fact that he is cut down by the situation, the crowd shouts with great joy as the blood is shed. The King's wife, however, believes that the King will come through the right hand of Christ. Moreover, Pepys expresses his romantic detail with his wife something that reflects his personal life (Pepys 26). Pepys also records an aspect of great fire, which comes after war and the infamous outbreak of a disease, "the great plague in British history". Pepys is awoken by Jane, a maid, who tells him that there is a great fire in the City (Pepys 27). People of London desperately endeavor to save themselves and their possessions. Later, Pepys finds out that the fire began in the King's baker house.

The profound patterns in the text are based on the national and political situation in London and not sexuality. The texts meticulously describe the conical status of London City. For instance, when the great fire razes houses to the ground in the entire city, it is only Pepys's house and the office that survives (Pepys 28). Also, Pepys records all the events in the City since he describes how the blowing up of houses began to have an effect. He even walks to town to survey the damage. The fire spreads but no one tries to put it off. However, despite the fact that Pepys records his romantic detail, it does not contribute much to the main events in the diary.

Pepys was a real capitalist had a passion for search of Knowledge (Pepys 26). He received diversions from London, including women and friendships but he constantly explored for new experiences. Pepys engages in his daily business but he faces financial shortages. After the conquest Cromwell, England is in need of a new King. Pepys's employer "Lord," asks him to accompany him to France and search for the exiled son, the next King (Pepys 27). In his diary, he records major historic events, which includes his personal life, and the national and political situation. For instance, there is no explanation given when Pepys hits his wife in the nose. The dairy blends domestic details and State affairs. It starts with hanging of Major General Harrison, coronation of a new King, great plague, and finally the great fire (Pepys 26). Pepys in his diary is an observer and a commentator, who takes part in recording all events. In the end, Pepys lays in bed with his wife who is constantly sick (Pepys 29). He also thinks that he is going blind to the pressure of writing and reading.

Works Cited

Pepys, Samuel. The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Vol. 3: 1662. Vol. 3. Univ of California Press, 2000, https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=V_E3HBCHfEAC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=The+Diary+of+Samuel+Pepys+&ots=c3SRuFUSa2&sig=5hdCTgCsMO9RCAkkDV0zwLsrURk