The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
XIV: How Oliver Explained Herzbruder’s Prophecy to His Own Profit, and So Came to Love His Worst Enemy explained
Oliver reveals to Simplicissimus that he believes in Herzbruder's prophecy, which foretold that Simplicissimus would avenge his death.
What happens
Oliver reveals to Simplicissimus that he believes in Herzbruder's prophecy, which foretold that Simplicissimus would avenge his death. Oliver offers Simplicissimus friendship, money, or a place to stay, hoping to secure his loyalty. Simplicissimus, distrustful, feigns drunkenness to test Oliver's intentions and eventually accepts a new suit of clothes, cautiously staying with him.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Simplicissimus feigns drunkenness to test Oliver's trustworthiness, while Oliver uses Herzbruder's prophecy to justify his sudden friendship.
Fortune and Fate
Oliver interprets Herzbruder's prophecy as fate, believing Simplicissimus is destined to avenge his death, which shapes his actions.
Folly and Wisdom
Simplicissimus reflects on the folly of trusting Oliver, yet uses cunning to navigate the dangerous situation.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Simplicissimus is wary of Oliver's sudden generosity and feigns drunkenness to test his intentions, while accepting a new suit of clothes.
- Oliver
Oliver explains Herzbruder's prophecy to his own advantage, professes love for Simplicissimus, and offers him money or a place to stay.
- Ulrich Herzbruder
Herzbruder's prophecy about Simplicissimus avenging Oliver's death is cited by Oliver as the reason for his newfound affection.
Key passages
“Aha! Simplicissimus, 'tis better here than in the trenches before Breisach.”
Oliver remarks that their current comfortable situation is preferable to the dangers of the siege at Breisach.
Oliver contrasts their safe, warm room with the perilous trenches.
“For already is a part of that prophecy fulfilled, seeing that I gave thee good reason to shoot me in the head like a valiant soldier and to take my sword from me (which no other hath ever done) and to grant me my life, when I lay under thee and was choking in blood”
Oliver believes that Simplicissimus wounding him and sparing his life fulfills part of Herzbruder's prophecy.
Oliver uses the prophecy to justify his trust in Simplicissimus.
“The devil trust thee, for I do not: if I take money from thee for the journey I may well be the first whom thou slayest: and if I stay with thee I must expect some time to be hanged with thee.”
Simplicissimus internally decides that Oliver is not to be trusted, fearing that accepting money could lead to his murder or that staying would result in being hanged alongside Oliver.
Simplicissimus's inner caution reveals his distrust of Oliver's motives.