Great Plague 1665 - Samuel Pepys account

In the summer of 1665, the narrator describes the harrowing experience of living through the plague. Houses marked with the Red Cross signified infection, and the death toll rose with the heat. Personal fears were heightened as even friends and doctors were affected. Precautions were taken, such as avoiding potentially infected goods. A curfew was imposed to allow the sick to get fresh air, and mass gatherings at burials were restricted to prevent further spread. Despite hopes, the death rate did not decline.

What symbol was used to mark houses affected by the plague in 1665?

• A White Flag

• A Red Cross

• A Yellow Star

• A Black Cross

Why did the narrator choose not to wear the clothes and wig purchased from Westminster?

• They were out of fashion

• They were too expensive

• Fear of infection from the plague

• They were too small

What time was the curfew set during the plague to allow the sick to take the air?

• 11 PM

• 10 PM

• 9 PM

• 8 PM

What was one of the measures taken to prevent the spread of the plague during mass burials?

• Increasing the number of burials

• Allowing only family members to attend

• Stopping relatives and onlookers from attending

• Holding burials at night

What was the public's hope regarding the death rate during the plague?

• That it would stabilize

• That it would drop

• That it would remain the same

• That it would increase