# XIV: How Oliver Explained Herzbruder’s Prophecy to His Own Profit, and So Came to Love His Worst Enemy explained — The Adventurous Simplicissimus

> Chapter companion for The Adventurous Simplicissimus by Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xiv-how-oliver-explained-herzbruder-s-prophecy-to-his-own-profit-and-so-came-to-love-his-worst-enemy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters