Picaros are traditionally wanders, slaves to whomever provides for them at the time. In Grimmelshausen’s novel, Simplicissimus, the protagonist of the same name takes on a much different position than seen in other picaresque novels. Simplicissimus himself becomes a master, employing his own servants and gains a legitimate position in society. In the novel Lazarillo de Tormes the protagonist is always serving someone else’s interests. Lazarillo never has complete autonomy and must rely on others for employment and to further his social status. Simplicissimus does not fit this picaresque element when he becomes the Huntsman, becomes a member of an official court, and discovers his true noble birth. As a person of high status in Soest, he is
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His first master, the beggar, is described as a “cruel old man” and Lazarillo states he “never knew a meaner or closer-fisted man” (Lazarillo 15, 9). These characteristics of his masters continue as his next master, the priest, is described as having “all the money-grubbing meanness in the world had been collected into this single reverend gentleman” (Lazarillo 18). Not only does Simplicissimus switch roles with Lazarillo he also proves himself to be a generous master. He always provides his servants with enough to eat and even goes to the extent of providing them with elaborate …show more content…
He lives a simple life on his father’s farm. There is nothing exceptional about where he lives the “rooms and chambers blackened all over inside with smoke” (Grimmelshausen 18). This upbringing aligns with other picaros, like Lazarillo who also grew up in a state of poverty. Lazarillo’s family was supported by thievery as his mother’s boyfriend stole and “brought everything to [his] mother for her to sell” (Lazarillo 6). Despite their similar upbringings Simplicissimus receives some interesting news later in his life about his parentage. When Simplicissimus reunites with his Da he explains that “a beautiful young noblewoman on a splendid horse” requested lodging at his farm (Grimmelshausen 381). She then gave birth to Simplicissimus and died before she could fully explain her wishes for the child, so Simplicissimus’ Da and Ma decided to adopt him. Simplicissimus noble birth strays from traditional picaro characteristics and gives his character the legitimacy that other picaros
His first master, the beggar, is described as a “cruel old man” and Lazarillo states he “never knew a meaner or closer-fisted man” (Lazarillo 15, 9). These characteristics of his masters continue as his next master, the priest, is described as having “all the money-grubbing meanness in the world had been collected into this single reverend gentleman” (Lazarillo 18). Not only does Simplicissimus switch roles with Lazarillo he also proves himself to be a generous master. He always provides his servants with enough to eat and even goes to the extent of providing them with elaborate …show more content…
He lives a simple life on his father’s farm. There is nothing exceptional about where he lives the “rooms and chambers blackened all over inside with smoke” (Grimmelshausen 18). This upbringing aligns with other picaros, like Lazarillo who also grew up in a state of poverty. Lazarillo’s family was supported by thievery as his mother’s boyfriend stole and “brought everything to [his] mother for her to sell” (Lazarillo 6). Despite their similar upbringings Simplicissimus receives some interesting news later in his life about his parentage. When Simplicissimus reunites with his Da he explains that “a beautiful young noblewoman on a splendid horse” requested lodging at his farm (Grimmelshausen 381). She then gave birth to Simplicissimus and died before she could fully explain her wishes for the child, so Simplicissimus’ Da and Ma decided to adopt him. Simplicissimus noble birth strays from traditional picaro characteristics and gives his character the legitimacy that other picaros