The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
Of Simplicissimus’ Strange Fancies and Castles in the Air, and How He Guarded His Treasure explained
Simplicissimus reflects on the power of money, describing its supposed virtues and vices.
What happens
Simplicissimus reflects on the power of money, describing its supposed virtues and vices. He becomes consumed by greed and pride, devising various foolish plans for his wealth—such as buying a noble title, marrying a rich wife, or leaving the wars—but cannot settle on any. Jupiter advises him to give away his ill-gotten gains to gain friends and peace, while his comrade Jump-i'-th'-field warns that his riches will bring envy and danger. Ultimately, Simplicissimus deposits his treasure with a merchant in Cologne, ignoring their counsel.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Money
Simplicissimus obsesses over his treasure, listing its supposed powers and struggling with miserliness, while Jupiter and Jump-i'-th'-field warn of its corrupting influence.
Folly and Wisdom
Simplicissimus entertains foolish schemes for his wealth, ignoring the wise counsel of Jupiter and Jump-i'-th'-field, who advocate for generosity and caution.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Tormented by greed and ambition, he fantasizes about becoming a nobleman or living peacefully, but cannot part with his treasure.
- Jupiter
Urges Simplicissimus to give away his money to gain friends and peace, speaking reasonably and showing affection.
- Jump-i'-th'-field
Warns Simplicissimus that his wealth will lead to misfortune and that he will never gain an ensigncy, speaking from honest experience.
Key passages
“Now they that know the worth of money, and therefore take it for their god, have no little reason on their side; for if there be a man in the world that hath experienced its powers and well-nigh divine virtues, that man am I.”
Those who value money above all else have some justification, as I myself have witnessed its almost magical effects.
Simplicissimus begins a lengthy praise of money's supposed virtues.
“My true comrade Jump-i'-th'-field I rewarded with twelve rix-dollars; who in return advised me I should either make away with my riches or else expect to fall into misfortune by their means.”
I gave Jump-i'-th'-field twelve rix-dollars, and he warned me to get rid of my wealth or face disaster because of it.
Jump-i'-th'-field gives practical advice about the dangers of visible wealth.