Boarded Up Door Symbol
During the time of the Great Plague, a door that was boarded up was a symbol of a home where the inhabitants were suffering from the plague and where there could be the danger of contagion. Often the boarded door also symbolized a home where the plague had killed the family inside.
Ring of Roses Symbol
When a household had lost members due to the plague, a ring, or wreath, of roses was hung on the front door to let those outside know that the home was in quarantine and that there was still a danger of catching the disease from coming inside the home. The wreath also signified mourning for those who had been lost. (This is also where the children's rhyme "Ring a Ring of Roses" originates).
Passion for Food Motif
Pepys was passionate about food and this is a motif that is present throughout his diary. He is a food-obsessed Nero fiddling whist Rome burns; even in times of crisis, such as during the Fire of London, he is able to tune out what is happening outside completely, and his chief concern and gripe is that there are no condiments at dinner, and that his meal is a little boring because there are no dressings prepared with it. He often describes his meals in great detail and if he were alive today would quite likely be a food writer instead of a diarist.
London Bridge Burning Symbol
The Great Fire eats up vast quantities of the City, but this devastation is symbolized by London Bridge beginning to burn. The Bridge is a symbol of the City, and is its gate from the water. Even in times of crises, war, invasion, it has stood strong and tall, symbolizing strength and in some ways safety. Now that it is threatened by the fire, the City seems far less safe than it once did. This is a symbol of the fire's might and the way in which it is threatening the future of the City itself.
Monarchial Figurehead Motif
Although the King appoints ministers, parliament and the cabinet, it becomes clear that he does not exactly have his finger on the pulse of what is going on and is more of a figurehead than an actual ruler who has the last word on what is happening in the nation. This is evident when he returns from exile; the King did not exile himself, but was exiled by parliament. During the Great Fire, it is Pepys who goes to tell him that the City is burning; Parliament are aware of the fire but do not tell the King about it, largely because there is nothing that he can do in practical terms. Although he makes the appointments that have the power, he has little actual power himself to effect day to day change or rule in his own City.
