The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
XXI: Is Somewhat Shorter and More Entertaining Than the Last explained
Simplicissimus forms a sworn brotherhood with young Ulrich Herzbruder, the muster-clerk, while continuing his role as a fool.
What happens
Simplicissimus forms a sworn brotherhood with young Ulrich Herzbruder, the muster-clerk, while continuing his role as a fool. He devises absurd schemes for hunting and war, and is misled by the colonel's secretary into believing various falsehoods. The old Herzbruder warns of impending danger and advises caution.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Simplicissimus outwardly plays the fool while secretly forming alliances; the colonel's secretary spreads lies and false beliefs.
Folly and Wisdom
Simplicissimus's foolish quips hide shrewd observations; the contrast between his public folly and private wisdom is explored.
Fortune and Fate
Old Herzbruder foresees approaching disgrace and danger for Simplicissimus and his son, warning of ill luck.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Swears eternal brotherhood with young Ulrich Herzbruder; continues to play the fool but with wit; devises foolish quips and fantasies.
- Ulrich Herzbruder
The muster-clerk, son of old Herzbruder; becomes Simplicissimus's sworn brother; favored by the colonel for the post of regimental secretary.
- The Governor
Grows more kindly disposed to Simplicissimus; keeps their friendship secret; introduces Simplicissimus to his son, young Herzbruder.
- The Huntsman of Soest
Referred to as the colonel; takes Simplicissimus hunting and listens to his foolish advice.
Key passages
“With this muster-clerk, whose name, like his father's, was Ulrich Herzbruder, I struck up such a friendship that we swore eternal brotherhood, in virtue of which we would never desert each other in weal or woe, in joy or sorrow”
Simplicissimus and young Ulrich Herzbruder become sworn brothers, pledging to stand by each other through all circumstances.
Highlights the deep bond formed between the two characters.
“I counselled the colonel to couple the bitch with a falcon or an osprey (as men do with horses and asses when they would have mules), that the young puppies might have wings, and so could with them catch the birds in the air.”
Simplicissimus jokingly suggests breeding a dog with a bird of prey to create winged puppies for hunting.
Illustrates Simplicissimus's absurd yet witty foolery.
“the secretary persuaded me they had pulled down and set on fire all the houses behind the walls of Prague, that the sparks and ashes might sow all over the world the seeds of evil weeds”
The secretary convinced Simplicissimus that the destruction of Prague's houses was done to spread evil seeds worldwide via sparks and ashes.
Shows how the secretary deceives Simplicissimus with fantastical lies.