# XVII: How It Happens That, Whereas in War the Nobles Are Ever Put Before the Common Men, Yet Many Do Attain from Despised Rank to High Honours explained — The Adventurous Simplicissimus

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

## What happens

A sergeant complains about nobles being preferred over common soldiers in military promotions. A nobleman defends the practice, citing tradition, respect, and natural leadership qualities of the gentry. The sergeant counters that merit and bravery should be rewarded, pointing to historical examples of commoners rising to high rank.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Nobility

The chapter debates the role of noble birth versus merit in military promotions, highlighting class tensions.

### Folly and Wisdom

The sergeant's argument for rewarding merit over birth challenges conventional wisdom, while the nobleman defends tradition.

## Character check-ins

### Simplicissimus

Narrator of the chapter, presenting the debate between the sergeant and the nobleman.

### Daniel St. André

Mentioned as an example of a common soldier who rose to high rank.

## Key lines

> Knowst thou not that at all times our rulers have appointed to the highest offices in time of war those of noble birth as being fittest therefore.

Don't you know that rulers have always chosen nobles for top military positions because they are most suitable?

_The nobleman argues that tradition supports noble privilege in war._

> And what fool would be a soldier, if he might not hope by his good conduct to be promoted, and so rewarded for faithful service?

Only a fool would become a soldier if there were no chance of promotion through good behavior.

_The sergeant insists that merit should be rewarded to maintain morale._

> Who was the Imperialist John de Werth? Who was the Swede Stalhans? Who were the Hessians, Little Jakob and St. André?

Consider famous commanders like John de Werth, Stalhans, Little Jakob, and St. André, who rose from humble beginnings.

_The nobleman cites examples of commoners who achieved high rank._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xvii-how-it-happens-that-whereas-in-war-the-nobles-are-ever-put-before-the-common-men-yet-many-do-attain-from-despised-rank-to-high-honours
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