Introduction to the Plague
The narrator introduces himself as H.F., a saddler who lived in London during the plague.
He explains his motivation for writing the account, emphasizing the importance of preserving the memory of the event.
Early Signs and Spread
The initial signs of the plague are observed, including the death of a woman in the parish of St. Giles.
The disease begins to spread, and authorities take measures to contain it.
Government Response
The city government establishes regulations, such as quarantining houses and marking them with a painted sign.
Officials attempt to maintain order and provide assistance to the afflicted.
Social Impact
The plague causes widespread panic, leading to the abandonment of homes and businesses.
Many people flee the city, while others remain to care for the sick or profit from the crisis.

A Journal of the Plague Year is a historical novel by Daniel Defoe, first published in 1722. The narrative is presented as the eyewitness account of a man named H.F., who recounts the events surrounding the Great Plague of London in 1665. Although Defoe was only five years old at the time, he meticulously reconstructs the experiences of the plague through research and imagination. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the societal impact of the epidemic, detailing the responses of the government, the medical community, and the general populace. It explores themes of fear, superstition, and resilience in the face of a devastating public health crisis.