Kleider machen Leute: Clothing as a Social Metaphor in Grimmelshausen’s Der Abenteuerliche Simplicissimus Teutsch

Abstract

This paper builds on insights and observations made by Lynne Tatlock and Peter Hess into gender and identity by further addressing the symbolic significance of Simplicissimus’ choice of clothing (or lack of choice) on his moral development in Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen’s Der Abenteurliche Simplicissimus (1668). My paper investigates how the author uses everyday items like clothing to communicate social hierarchical roles and moral development. Simplicissimus’ moral progression and regression (his moral quest) become visible through the various stages of his clothing, both those costumes he chooses and those chosen for him. In this text, attire is not only used as a metaphor for status, but also communicates moral development. When transgressing norms, Simplicissimus is at his lowest morally and, when not transgressing norms, he is at his highest. Only when he assumes the clothing choices given him from others, do his Schein und Sein (appearance and true being) match each other harmoniously. Reading Simplicissimus’ moral development literally against the fabric of his clothing supports earlier interpretations, such as that by Jan Scholte, of the inverted dramatic structure of the novel, and opens important new avenues of research.