The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
II: Of the First Step Towards That Dignity to Which Simplicissimus Attained, to Which Is Added the Praise of Shepherds and Other Excellent Precepts explained
Simplicissimus is appointed shepherd by his father, who entrusts him first with swine, then goats, and finally a whole flock of sheep.
What happens
Simplicissimus is appointed shepherd by his father, who entrusts him first with swine, then goats, and finally a whole flock of sheep. His father instructs him to play his bagpipe to protect the flock from wolves, but Simplicissimus does not know what a wolf looks like, leading to his father's frustration.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Experience
Simplicissimus's naive ignorance of wolves contrasts with his father's worldly knowledge, highlighting the theme of innocence versus experience.
Folly and Wisdom
Simplicissimus's foolishness in not recognizing a wolf is juxtaposed with his father's attempts to impart wisdom, illustrating folly and the pursuit of wisdom.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Appointed shepherd by his father; shows innocence and ignorance by not knowing what a wolf looks like.
Key passages
“For he invested me with the highest dignity that could be found, not only in his household, but in the whole world: namely, with the office of a shepherd”
He gave me the most honorable role possible, both in his home and in the world: that of a shepherd.
Simplicissimus describes his father appointing him as shepherd, which he considers a great honor.
“Then was I like to David (save that he in place of the bagpipe had but a harp), which was no bad beginning for me, but a good omen that in time, if I had any manner of luck, I should become a famous man”
I was like David, except he had a harp instead of a bagpipe, and this was a promising start that hinted I might become famous if I had any luck.
Simplicissimus compares himself to the biblical David, seeing his shepherding as a favorable omen.
“Daddy, tell me how a wolf looks: for such I never saw yet.”
Father, please describe a wolf to me, because I have never seen one.
Simplicissimus reveals his ignorance by asking his father what a wolf looks like.