The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
II: How Simplicissimus, Being Terrified of the Devil, Was Converted explained
Simplicissimus and Herzbruder arrive at Einsiedeln, where Simplicissimus witnesses an exorcism.
What happens
Simplicissimus and Herzbruder arrive at Einsiedeln, where Simplicissimus witnesses an exorcism. The devil, speaking through a possessed man, denounces Simplicissimus as a hypocrite and sinner, terrifying him. Herzbruder defends him, but Simplicissimus is so shaken that he seeks confession and conversion to Catholicism. After absolution, he feels relief, but his piety fades as he forgets his fear. They stay fourteen days at the abbey before traveling to Baden for the winter.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Morality
Simplicissimus's conversion is driven by fear of damnation rather than genuine faith, illustrating a superficial engagement with religion and morality.
Deception and Appearance
The devil accuses Simplicissimus of being a hypocrite and liar, while Simplicissimus's pilgrim dress masks his true past, highlighting the theme of appearance versus reality.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Terrified by the devil's accusations during an exorcism, he undergoes a conversion to Catholicism, though his piety soon wanes.
- Ulrich Herzbruder
Accompanies Simplicissimus to Einsiedeln, defends him against the devil's claims, and rejoices at his friend's conversion.
Key passages
“I left Herzbruder to kneel and pray as much as he listed and went off from curiosity to see such a spectacle.”
Simplicissimus abandoned his companion's prayers to watch the exorcism out of curiosity.
Shows Simplicissimus's initial lack of religious devotion.
“Yet did the same last but as long as it might: for even as my conversion took its beginning, not from love of God but from dread and fear of damnation, so did I by degrees become lukewarm and slothful.”
His conversion was short-lived because it stemmed from fear of hell rather than genuine love for God, causing his piety to fade over time.
Reveals the shallow and temporary nature of Simplicissimus's religious change.