The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
VIII: Discourseth of the Wondrous Memory of Some and the Forgetfulness of Others explained
Simplicissimus awakens to find his bedfellows gone and visits his pastor to confess his deceit in pretending to be a fool.
What happens
Simplicissimus awakens to find his bedfellows gone and visits his pastor to confess his deceit in pretending to be a fool. The pastor reassures him that the foolish world deserves to be fooled and advises him to use his wits cautiously. He then delivers a lengthy discourse on the nature of memory, citing historical figures with prodigious memories and examples of memory loss, before giving Simplicissimus more medicine and instructions. Simplicissimus returns home followed by a crowd of boys mocking him, amusing his master.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Simplicissimus continues his role as a pretended fool, and the pastor justifies the deception by saying the foolish world deserves to be fooled.
Folly and Wisdom
Simplicissimus gains keen-wittedness and caution precisely when he must appear a fool, highlighting the inversion of folly and wisdom.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Visits the pastor to confess his deception and receives advice and medicine.
- The Hermit
Referenced by Simplicissimus as the one who taught him from books.
Key passages
“this foolish world will be befooled; and if they have left thee thy wits, so use thou those same wits to thine own advantage, and imagine to thyself as if thou, like to the Phoenix, hast been newly born from folly to understanding through fire, and so to a new human life.”
The pastor tells Simplicissimus that the world is foolish and deserves to be tricked, so he should use his intelligence for his own benefit and see himself as reborn from foolishness into wisdom.
The pastor justifies Simplicissimus's deception and encourages him to embrace his new cleverness.
“For a man can run quickly into hell, but to get out again doth need a deal of puffing and blowing: and thou art not yet—no, not by a long way—man enough to escape the danger that lies before thee, as well thou mightest suppose.”
The pastor warns that while it is easy to get into trouble, escaping it is difficult, and Simplicissimus is not yet skilled enough to avoid the dangers ahead.
The pastor cautions Simplicissimus that his current cleverness is insufficient to guarantee safety.