The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
How Simplicissimus Turned Palmer and Went on a Pilgrimage with Herzbruder explained
Herzbruder, healed of his wounds, reveals a vow to go on a pilgrimage to Einsiedeln on foot with peas in his shoes.
What happens
Herzbruder, healed of his wounds, reveals a vow to go on a pilgrimage to Einsiedeln on foot with peas in his shoes. Simplicissimus offers company and money, but Herzbruder refuses due to scruples about using ill-gotten gains. Simplicissimus lies about his own penitence and desire to reform, eventually persuading Herzbruder to let him join. They obtain a pass under false pretenses, cross into Switzerland, and equip themselves as pilgrims. Simplicissimus marvels at the peaceful, prosperous Swiss countryside, contrasting it with war-torn Germany. At Zurich, Herzbruder discovers Simplicissimus boiled his peas to ease the walk, rebukes him for hypocrisy, and Simplicissimus is struck with guilt and remorse.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Morality
Herzbruder's genuine piety and vow contrast with Simplicissimus's feigned penitence and deceit; the chapter explores the tension between outward religious acts and inner moral state.
Deception and Appearance
Simplicissimus lies about his motives and boils the peas to appear pious; Herzbruder's discovery of the deceit leads to a crisis of conscience.
Innocence and Experience
Simplicissimus laments his lost innocence from the forest and reflects on the tricks and sins of his past life.
Characters to notice
- Ulrich Herzbruder
Healed and determined to fulfill his pilgrimage vow; refuses Simplicissimus's money and company due to scruples, but eventually relents; rebukes Simplicissimus for boiling the peas.
- Simplicissimus
Eager to accompany Herzbruder; lies about his penitence and boils the peas to ease his feet; feels deep guilt and remorse when confronted.
- Oliver
Mentioned as the source of the money Simplicissimus offers, which Herzbruder scruples to use.
Key passages
“Now Herzbruder being wholly restored and healed of his wounds, he told me in secret he had in his greatest need made a vow to go on a pilgrimage to Einsiedeln.”
Once Herzbruder had fully recovered from his injuries, he confided in me that during his time of greatest need he had vowed to make a pilgrimage to Einsiedeln.
Sets up the motivation for the journey.
“I saw how the people did trade and traffic in peace, how the stalls were full of cattle and the farmyards crowded with fowls, geese, and ducks, the roads were used in safety by travellers, and the inns were full of people making merry.”
I observed the people conducting business peacefully, with markets full of livestock, farmyards teeming with poultry, roads safe for travelers, and inns bustling with cheerful patrons.
Contrasts the peaceful Swiss landscape with war-torn Germany.
“I had them boiled and put into my shoes again, and so came happily to Zurich, while he found himself in sorry plight, and said to me, 'Brother, thou hast great favour of God, that notwithstanding the peas in thy shoes thou canst walk so well.'”
I boiled the peas and put them back in my shoes, arriving comfortably in Zurich, while he was suffering; he remarked that I must have God's favor to walk so well despite the peas.
Simplicissimus's trick is revealed, leading to Herzbruder's rebuke.