# II: How Simplicissimus Found a Better Host Than Before explained — The Adventurous Simplicissimus

> Chapter companion for The Adventurous Simplicissimus by Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/ii-how-simplicissimus-found-a-better-host-than-before
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters