History of the Plague in London

by Daniel Defoe

"History of the Plague in London" by Daniel Defoe is a historical account supposedly written in the early 18th century. This work serves as a detailed narrative about the Great Plague of 1665 as observed by a fictional citizen who remains in London during the outbreak. The text not only recounts the events surrounding the plague but also dives into the societal reactions, fears, and decisions made by individuals as the epidemic unfolded. The opening of this work introduces the reader to the early stages of the plague's emergence in London, beginning with discussions among neighbors about its return from Holland. Defoe describes how rumors spread, the initial dismissals of the threat, and the eventual acknowledgment of fatalities within the city. The narrative frames the perspective of the narrator who observes the rising death toll, the changing behavior of the population, and the anxious atmosphere that grips London as the plague gains footing. The narrator's internal conflict about fleeing the city or staying put unfolds alongside the grim statistics of mortality, underscoring the dire reality faced by Londoners during this tumultuous period.