The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
How Simplicissimus Found His Second Marriage Turn Out, and How He Met with His Dad and Learned Who His Parents Had Been explained
Simplicissimus prepares for a second marriage with great extravagance, but soon discovers his bride is too knowing and mismanages the household.
What happens
Simplicissimus prepares for a second marriage with great extravagance, but soon discovers his bride is too knowing and mismanages the household. Disillusioned, he neglects his home and seeks diversion at the spa. While walking with companions, he encounters an old peasant with a goat whom he recognizes as his foster father from the Spessart. Through conversation and wine, the peasant reveals that Simplicissimus is not his biological son but the true-born child of Susanna Ramsay and Captain Sternfels of Fuchsheim, making him the nephew of Governor Ramsay. Simplicissimus learns his parents are dead and his uncle has gone mad, but he rejoices in his noble birth and treats his foster parents generously.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Simplicissimus's second marriage is a sham; his bride is 'too knowing' and mismanages the household, while he pretends to be a wealthy gentleman.
Fortune and Fate
Simplicissimus's discovery of his noble birth is a twist of fate, but his parents are dead and his uncle ruined, underscoring the capriciousness of fortune.
Social Class and Nobility
Simplicissimus learns he is the true-born son of a captain and a lady, elevating his social status, yet his past as a peasant's foster child complicates his identity.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Discovers his true parentage and noble birth through his foster father.
- Governor Ramsay
Revealed as Simplicissimus's uncle; he went mad after the Hanauers rid themselves of him and his Swedish garrison.
- The Hermit
Identified as Captain Sternfels of Fuchsheim, Simplicissimus's true father.
Key passages
“So I made fine preparation for the wedding: for all seemed rose-colour to me.”
I prepared for the wedding with great optimism, as everything appeared perfect.
Simplicissimus's naive enthusiasm before his second marriage.
“But soon I must whistle to a different tune, for I found my bride too knowing; and now, all too late, was I ware of the cause why she had been so loath to take me.”
Soon I had to face reality: my bride was too experienced, and I belatedly understood why she had been reluctant to marry me.
Simplicissimus realizes his bride is not as innocent as he thought.
“Now from that I knew clearly that I was the true-born son of my hermit and of Governor Ramsay's sister; but alas! far too late, for my parents were both dead, and of my uncle Ramsay could I learn nothing save that the Hanauers had rid themselves of him and his Swedish garrison, whereat he had gone crazy for rage and vexation.”
I then understood that I was the legitimate child of the hermit and Governor Ramsay's sister, but unfortunately too late, as both my parents were dead, and my uncle Ramsay had lost his mind after the Hanauers dismissed him and his Swedish troops.
Simplicissimus learns his true lineage but finds his family lost.