The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
XXVII: How Simplicissimus Discoursed with the Secretary, and How He Found a False Friend explained
Simplicissimus gains increasing favor from the governor, partly due to his resemblance to the governor's sister and the hermit.
What happens
Simplicissimus gains increasing favor from the governor, partly due to his resemblance to the governor's sister and the hermit. The governor's secretary, a recent university graduate, teaches him figures and amuses himself with Simplicissimus's simplicity, convincing him that all wealth comes from an inkhorn. Simplicissimus questions the absurdity of noble titles, arguing that all men are equal. However, the secretary's goodwill fades after Simplicissimus's crude behavior. Meanwhile, a jealous page pretends friendship but secretly plots against Simplicissimus, leading him into folly and misfortune.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Nobility
Simplicissimus questions the validity of noble titles, arguing that all men are equal before God, highlighting the absurdity of social distinctions.
Deception and Appearance
The secretary deceives Simplicissimus with false logic about the inkhorn, and the page feigns friendship while plotting his downfall.
Folly and Wisdom
Simplicissimus's naive simplicity is exploited by both the secretary and the page, contrasting his innocence with their cunning.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Enjoys the governor's favor, debates with the secretary about titles and the inkhorn, and naively trusts the jealous page.
- The Governor
Shows increasing favor toward Simplicissimus, who resembles his sister and the hermit.
- The Hermit
Mentioned as the husband of the governor's sister, to whom Simplicissimus bears resemblance.
Key passages
“Then would I not believe that out of so small and inconsiderable a thing such noble possessions were to be had: so he answered all this came from the Spiritus Papyri (for so did he name his inks), and the inkhorn was for this reason named an ink-holder, because it held matters of importance.”
Simplicissimus doubted that such valuable things could come from a tiny inkhorn, but the secretary claimed it was all due to the 'Spirit of Paper' and that the inkhorn was called an ink-holder because it held important things.
The secretary uses wordplay to mock Simplicissimus's ignorance about the origins of wealth.
“And as to the word 'wellborn,' why 'twas a flat untruth: and that could any baron's mother testify; for if one should ask her if he was well born she could say whether 'twas 'well' with her when she brought him into the world.”
Simplicissimus argued that calling someone 'wellborn' was a lie, because any nobleman's mother could confirm whether the birth was actually painful or difficult.
Simplicissimus challenges the literal meaning of noble titles with crude logic.
“But he was jealous of me by reason of the great favour that my lord showed me, and that greater day by day: so he was concerned lest I should step into his shoes; and therefore in secret looked upon me with malicious and envious eyes, and sought occasion how he might put a stumbling-block for me and by my fall prevent his own.”
The page envied Simplicissimus because the governor favored him more each day, fearing Simplicissimus would replace him, so he secretly plotted to cause Simplicissimus's downfall.
The page's jealousy and deceit foreshadow future troubles for Simplicissimus.