Von Grimmelshausen’s The Adventures of a Simpleton takes us on the journey of Simplicissimus. Simplicissimus is an innocent child whose life as a rogue includes time spent as a soldier, thief, philanderer, murderer and fool. Simplicissimus’ adventures unfold against the backdrop of the Thirty Years War, though the hero of the story fights on either side with equal ease. During the 17th century, court jesters lived outside the boundaries of society while participating in a critique of it. We find Simplicissimus plays a similar role after he is pressed into service as a court jester.
Simplicissimus acts as a jester, moving freely within the boundaries of society at all levels while critiquing everything from leadership and warfare to marriage and religion. Simplicissimus’ life is a series of ups and downs. His successful thievery makes him rich, but his magnanimity causes him to lose his wealth. He tries to seduce a young girl, only to be trapped into marriage. He fights in the war but is robbed by soldiers. If Simplicissimus retains the ability to move freely about in society while critiquing it, part of the reason is perception of life. Simplicissimus views life as a wheel, one ruled by fortune. This wheel can turn upside down overnight, turning great fortune into great despair and vice versa. Simplicissimus makes reference to this force in his life in his letter to Heartsbrother, “If it should please your honour by your high influence to deliver from the most miserable condition in the world into which fickle fortune’s wheel has cast him” (Von Grimmelshausen 181).
When Simplicissimus is pressed into service as a fool, he is able to move freely in high society while critiquing it and undermining it. Everyone has nicknames and Simplicissimus delights in giving personages of the court nicknames that match their foibles. He is given the nickname of “calf” and delights in his superior wit and knowledg...