The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
VII: How Simplicissimus Accommodated Himself to the State of a Brute Beast explained
Simplicissimus, now playing the fool, frees himself from the goose-pen but continues to act like a calf.
What happens
Simplicissimus, now playing the fool, frees himself from the goose-pen but continues to act like a calf. He is presented to the Governor, who rewards the soldiers and promises Simplicissimus a post. Simplicissimus plays tricks, such as scaring a peasant's cattle, and refuses to eat human food, insisting on grass. The Governor has two boys dressed in calfskins to eat with him, and Simplicissimus eventually joins them, reflecting on how men are often more beastly than animals.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Simplicissimus deliberately acts like a fool and a calf to deceive others, while inwardly maintaining his wit and cunning.
Folly and Wisdom
The chapter explores the paradox of the fool who is wiser than those who consider themselves clever, as Simplicissimus outwits the Governor and others.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Simplicissimus continues his role as a fool, playing the calf and tricking the Governor and others.
- The Governor
The Governor rewards the soldiers for bringing Simplicissimus and enjoys his antics, promising him a post.
Key passages
“Now it had been easy for me, by means of the hole which the mad ensign had cut in the door before, to free myself. But because I must now be a fool, I let that alone: and not only did I behave like a fool who hath not the wit of his own motion to release himself, but did even present myself as a hungry calf that pineth for its mother.”
I could have easily escaped through the hole in the door, but since I had to play the fool, I stayed and acted like a helpless calf longing for its mother.
Simplicissimus consciously chooses to maintain his fool persona.
“In a word; many did count me for a witless madman, while I held all for fools in their wits. And to my thinking this is still the way of the world: for each one is content with his own wits and esteemeth that he is of all men the cleverest.”
Many thought I was a mindless madman, but I considered them all fools who thought themselves wise. This is how the world works: everyone is satisfied with their own intelligence and believes they are the cleverest.
Simplicissimus reflects on the universal folly of self-deception.