The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
XI: Contains All Manner of Matters of Little Import and Great Imagination explained
Simplicissimus returns to Soest to find his servant captured by Hessians, who now believe him a sorcerer.
What happens
Simplicissimus returns to Soest to find his servant captured by Hessians, who now believe him a sorcerer. He begins to act more arrogantly, spending lavishly on clothes and horses, alienating officers, nobles, and common soldiers alike. He invents a coat of arms with three red masks and a jester's crest, and attempts to court young ladies, though his lack of romantic skill draws mockery and enmity.
Themes in this chapter
Folly and Wisdom
Simplicissimus's foolish pride and ostentation, contrasted with his self-awareness in choosing a jester crest to remind him of his origins.
Deception and Appearance
Simplicissimus's false friends, his servant's lies about devils, and his own pretense of nobility through coat of arms and fine clothes.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Returns to Soest, grows haughty, invents a coat of arms, and courts ladies despite his inexperience.
- The Huntsman of Soest
Flees from Lippstadt to the Hollanders after hearing of the devil trick in the sheepfold.
- Jump-i'-th'-field
Previously obtained a horse from a Hessian captain, which Simplicissimus now decks out.
Key passages
“I began to behave myself somewhat more reputably than before, as having such fine hopes of presently being made ensign: so by degrees I joined company with officers and young noblemen that were eager for that office which I imagined I should soon get: for this reason these were my worst enemies, and yet gave themselves out to be my best friends.”
I started acting more respectably because I expected to become an ensign soon, so I began associating with officers and young nobles who wanted the same position—they pretended to be my friends but were actually my worst enemies.
Simplicissimus's naivety about the jealousy and deceit of his peers.
“I was not long pregnant with these thoughts, but had a coat-of-arms devised for me by a herald, which was three red masks in a white field, and for a crest, a bust of a young jester in a calfskin with a pair of hare's ears, adorned with little balls in front: for I thought this suited best with my name, being called Simplicissimus.”
I quickly had a herald design a coat of arms for me: three red masks on a white background, topped with a young jester in calfskin and hare's ears with little balls, because it matched my name Simplicissimus.
Simplicissimus invents a heraldic symbol that ironically acknowledges his foolish origins.