# How Simplicissimus Held His Wedding-Feast and How He Purposed to Begin His New Life explained — The Adventurous Simplicissimus

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

## What happens

Simplicissimus, having been tricked into marriage, decides to make the best of the situation by hosting a wedding feast and reconciling with his father-in-law. He uses humor and diplomacy to win over the commandant and his in-laws, securing their blessing. Plans are made for him to retrieve his treasure from Cologne and then take command of a company under the commandant, as the threat of Count Götz's Imperial troops looms.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

Simplicissimus is tricked into marriage but decides to maintain appearances by hosting a grand wedding feast and pretending the arrangement was intentional, to avoid mockery.

### Folly and Wisdom

Simplicissimus reflects on his initial foolishness in being trapped, but then wisely chooses reconciliation and strategic planning over revenge or shame.

### Greed and Money

The father-in-law's miserliness is highlighted, and Simplicissimus's treasure in Cologne is a key asset for his future plans, showing the importance of wealth.

## Character check-ins

### Simplicissimus

The protagonist who, after being tricked into marriage, cleverly orchestrates a wedding feast to reconcile with his father-in-law and secure his future as a soldier.

### The Governor

The commandant who is invited to the wedding feast, provides a cask of wine and a buck, and promises Simplicissimus a company if he takes up the soldier's trade.

### Count Götz

Mentioned as the Imperial commander lying in Westphalia with troops, whose movements force the commandant to seek soldiers.

## Key lines

> For though this trick which had been played me stirred up great perplexity in my mind, yet was I not so foolish as to put my bride to shame.

Although I was confused by the trick played on me, I was not foolish enough to embarrass my bride.

_Simplicissimus decides to protect his bride's honor despite being deceived._

> At the last I concluded that I would before all things win my father-in-law’s friendship again, and would so carry myself to all others as if nothing had happened untoward.

Finally, I decided to first regain my father-in-law's friendship and act as if nothing unusual had occurred.

_Simplicissimus chooses reconciliation and maintaining appearances over revenge._

> The commandant was fit to burst with laughter at my comical story, and because I saw him in merry mood I made yet more free.

The commandant laughed heartily at my funny story, and seeing him in good spirits, I became even more bold.

_Simplicissimus uses humor to win over the commandant._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxii-how-simplicissimus-held-his-wedding-feast-and-how-he-purposed-to-begin-his-new-life
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters