Samuel Pepys at the Top of the Heap
Samuel Pepys was a clever man. Not only did he live through one of the more turbulent time periods of England’s history, the English Civil War, but he lived in the good grace of the victor of that war (Oliver Cromwell) and later was held in high favor when King Charles II was restored to the throne. Pepys, while beholden to “My Lord” (Sir Edward Montagu), seeks to rise to even higher levels in noble society through his social friends and his business associates. It is in October 1660 that Pepys details his ambition to improve his lot in life and rise in social rankings.
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| This is what I envision Pepys to be. It has nothing to do with the fact this is the best Shutterstock has for me. |
There are important instances where Pepys attempts to ingratiate himself with Sir Montagu and the nobles present at Whitehall, where King Charles II kept his residence. “Early to my Lord to Whitehall, and there he did give me some work to do for him, and so with all haste to the office,” is the very first entry of the month, illustrating that Pepys’ priority was his boss (Pepys). Meeting Montagu at Whitehall would have allowed Pepys the chance to mingle with the nobility briefly before receiving his tasks.
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| NO! NOT THE WHITE HOUSE! WHITE HALL! Confound you, Shutterstock! |
Pepys continues to make a good impression on Montagu on the 3rd of October when he helps bring Montagu’s chest of paintings to the King and flatters him immensely. Pepys smugly adds that he later dined alone with his boss, “who do treat me with a great deal of respect (Pepys).” He also claims to know Montagu’s opinion on an African gold venture proposed by the Duke of York and Lord of Pembroke. Pepys is intoxicated with ever higher levels of confidence placed in him by Montagu. He thrives on the increase in power and status.
Pepys is also taking advantage of his new-found wealth and is sprucing up his home on Seething Lane. From the 1st to 5th of this month, Pepys has had painters and tapestry hangers working in his house. This renovation leads to an increase in influential diners at his house, such as John Creed, Henry Moore, and even Jemima Montagu. Pepys’ wife also purchases better quality furniture, which the normally stingy man does not mind. His appreciation for his wife’s “bed and furniture for her chamber” and other house ornaments display for me the idea that Pepys wishes to entertain more influential guests at home, allowing for a more personal bond (Pepys). Pepys is an ambitious worker and knows that money must be spent for people to notice you.
Life in the times of the new monarchy was confusing and frustrating for those who needed to restore order. Samuel Pepys, however, was able to adapt to the change in political order and survive, gaining more confidence from his master, Sir Montagu, and receiving yet more attention from those in higher sociopolitical circles. Samuel Pepys was a master in climbing out of a period of chaos and moving up the social ladder. Such a feat is well recorded in the Diary of Samuel Pepys.
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| Not Pepys, but you get the picture. |
Work Cited
"October 1660 (Pepys' Diary)." Pepys' Diary. Ed. Phil Gyford. Web. 06 Mar. 2011. http://www.pepysdiary.com/archive/1660/10/.
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