# How Simplicissimus Became a Rich Man and Herzbruder Fell Into Great Misery explained — The Adventurous Simplicissimus

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

## What happens

Simplicissimus, having killed Oliver and six attackers, forces a peasant to guide him to Villingen. There he presents himself as a volunteer trooper and is questioned by the commandant, to whom he gives Oliver's sword in exchange for a pass. Seeking an inn, he encounters a wretched beggar who turns out to be his old friend Herzbruder, now in dire poverty and ill health.

## Themes in this chapter

### Greed and Money

Simplicissimus carries a heavy load of gold and believes it lends him strength; he bargains with the peasant over Oliver's hidden money.

### Deception and Appearance

Simplicissimus lies about his identity and exploits to the commandant, concealing his true intentions and wealth.

### Fortune and Fate

Simplicissimus considers his arrival at the open gates a lucky omen, and his chance reunion with Herzbruder underscores the capriciousness of fortune.

## Character check-ins

### Simplicissimus

Narrates his escape to Villingen, his interrogation by the commandant, and his reunion with the impoverished Herzbruder.

### Ulrich Herzbruder

Found in a pitiful state at the inn, with a bound head, sling, and lice-ridden clothes, begging for food and drink.

### Oliver

Mentioned as having been killed in the fight with the corporal and musketeers; his sword is given to the commandant.

## Key lines

> I do well-nigh believe that gold lendeth a man strength: for though I carried a heavy enough load of it yet I felt no especial weariness.

Simplicissimus feels that carrying gold gives him supernatural endurance.

_Reflects the theme of greed and money._

> O friend, for Herzbruder's sake give me somewhat to eat also.

The beggar asks for food in the name of Herzbruder, revealing his identity.

_Key moment of recognition and reunion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters/xxiii-how-simplicissimus-became-a-rich-man-and-herzbruder-fell-into-great-misery
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventurous_simplicissimus_se/chapters