The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
II: How Simplicissimus Found a Better Host Than Before explained
Simplicissimus, now under the protection of Monsieur Canard, fabricates a noble identity and writes letters to recover his lost property.
What happens
Simplicissimus, now under the protection of Monsieur Canard, fabricates a noble identity and writes letters to recover his lost property. He becomes a tutor to Canard's sons and assists in his laboratory. A philosophical debate ensues about the relative honor of physicians versus noblemen, with Canard defending his profession and Simplicissimus arguing for the nobility's standing.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Simplicissimus fabricates a noble identity and conceals his true background to protect his property and gain favor.
Social Class and Nobility
The debate between Simplicissimus and Canard highlights the tensions between inherited nobility and professional honor.
Folly and Wisdom
Simplicissimus's simple argument about dung versus standing reveals a deeper critique of social pretensions.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Adopts a false noble identity and writes letters to recover his property; tutors Canard's sons and debates the honor of physicians versus nobles.
- Monsieur Canard
Simplicissimus's new master, a wealthy and proud physician who helps him with letters and engages in a debate about social status.
- Daniel St. André
Mentioned as the colonel commandant in Lippstadt to whom Simplicissimus addresses his packet of letters.
Key passages
“a physician hath three faces—the first, an angel’s, when the sick man sees him first; the second, God’s own, when he can help the sick; and the third, the devil’s own, when a man is healed and can be rid of him”
A doctor is seen as an angel when first visiting, as God when healing, and as a devil once the patient is cured and wants to be rid of him.
Simplicissimus critiques the transient honor of physicians.
“I would sooner stand and wait for ten years than meddle with another man’s dung, yea, even though I was bidden to be seated on beds of roses.”
I would rather stand and wait for ten years than handle someone else's excrement, even if offered a seat on rose petals.
Simplicissimus contrasts the dignity of a nobleman's service with the physician's demeaning tasks.