Megan Drysdale
Samuel Pepys essay
English 12
April 08, 2002
The Journal of Samuel Pepys
Through his extensive journals of life in the 17th century, Pepys reveals himself as an accepted man of the time. By writing about such important historical events that he witnessed, such as the coronation of Charles II in Westminster Abbey as well as his experiences and observations during the London Fire, to the everyday occurrences, creating candid pictures of his personal life. As a prominent figure in society, Pepys could also be seen as a role model that other men strived to be like, and was head of a household that included a wife and several servants, making him play many roles.
As a citizen of London, Pepys is witness to major events that are today seen as historically important. The first even that he describes is the hanging of Major General Harrison, which he acts properly blasé about.
Painting of Samuel Pepys by John Hayls
English: A pub with literary pretensions in Mayfai...
English: Image is from H.B. Wheatley, ed, The Diar..."He [looked] as cheerful as any man could in that condition" (p.360). Pepys acts as any good loyalist should, describing the "shouts of joy" coming from the audience, and how this is "revenge for the blood of the King at Charing Cross", then goes on to describe the rest of his day. A little less than a year later, April 23 1661, Pepys is present at the coronation of Charles II. Being a high official, he is able to visit all the tables, meeting with "the bishops and al others, and was infinitely pleased with it".
His role in the London Fire was to suggest to the King that "unless his majesty did command houses to be pulled down, nothing could stop the fire" (p.363). He was to recruit more people who were willing to aid, and allowed Tom Hater "to lie at my...