The Adventurous Simplicissimus · Chapter
XIII: Of Various Matters Which Whoever Will Know Must Either Read Them or Have Them Read to Him explained
Simplicissimus, still believing he is a calf, is judged by the Governor's guests.
What happens
Simplicissimus, still believing he is a calf, is judged by the Governor's guests. The Governor and pastor discuss his condition, with the pastor recounting tales of cured madmen and defending Simplicissimus's sanity. The pastor gains the Governor's favor and a chaplaincy.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This moment is the story's dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of Simpl…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Folly and Wisdom
Simplicissimus's apparent folly (believing he is a calf) is contrasted with his truthful and wise speeches, prompting debate among the guests.
- Deception and Appearance
The pastor uses deceptive cures (e.g., the tap and puncheon) to treat delusions, and later feigns care for Simplicissimus to gain the Governor's favor.
- Religion and Morality
Simplicissimus's heartfelt prayer moves onlookers; the pastor warns against robbing a man of his reason, which withdraws him from God's service.
Characters to notice
- Simplicissimus
Still believes he is a calf; prays devoutly as taught by the hermit; speaks truth shamelessly.
- The Governor
Hosts the dinner; judges Simplicissimus a fool for telling truth; shows concern and repentance; seeks the pastor's advice.
- The Hermit
Mentioned as having taught Simplicissimus his prayer and simple ways.
Key passages
“I hold him for a fool because he telleth every man the truth so shamelessly; yet are his speeches so ordered that they belong to no fool.”
The Governor says Simplicissimus is a fool for speaking truth bluntly, but his words are too coherent for a true fool.
Highlights the paradox of Simplicissimus's apparent madness and hidden wisdom.
“Men were made in the image of God, and with such, and especially with such tender youth, one must not make sport as with beasts.”
The pastor rebukes the Governor for treating a young man like a plaything, since humans are made in God's image.
Moral condemnation of the cruelty inflicted on Simplicissimus.
“I gave ye beforehand my assurance, that he had wit enough, but that he could not fit himself to the world was caused by this, that he was brought up first with his father, a rough peasant, and then with your brother-in-law in the wilderness, in all simplicity.”
The pastor reminds the Governor that Simplicissimus is not stupid, but unschooled in worldly ways due to his rustic upbringing.
Explains Simplicissimus's behavior as innocence rather than madness.
