Samuel Pepys' Continual Fear: A Closer Look into His Diary Entries

What was the continual fear that Pepys dealt with, as mentioned in the last entry we read of his diary for 1666?

A) The fear of losing his job
B) The fear of a plague outbreak
C) The fear of a war breaking out
D) The fear of financial ruin
Final answer: B)

Answer:

Samuel Pepys' continual fear as depicted in his 1666 diary entries was a recurrence of a plague outbreak. His writings provide a vivid image of the terror induced by the Great Plague of London, impacting his psyche long after the plague itself had subsided.

Samuel Pepys, a famous English diarist, lived during the time of the Great Plague of London, which occurred in 1665-66. Through his meticulous personal documentation, we learn of his recurring worry regarding another possible outbreak. Despite the plague's devastation having mostly ended by 1666, the terror and impact of such an event had a lingering psychological effect, manifesting as a continual fear for Pepys.

Although the reference materials provided primarily discuss the bubonic plague impacting Europe in the 1340s, it's important to remember that the idea of a plague was a common fear during the era in which Pepys lived. This creates a connection to option B, the fear of a plague outbreak.

Samuel Pepys' diary entries paint a poignant picture of the fear and anxiety he grappled with, showcasing the lasting trauma and mental anguish brought about by the Great Plague. His writings serve as a testament to the enduring impact of historical events on individuals and societies.