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Abstract
The allegorical representation of society in H.J.C. von Grimmelshausens Simplicissimus Teutsch (ST, 1669) is the central theme of the paper; an explication of the Stndebaum (tree of estates) emblem Grimmelshausens representation of the social system as it obtained during the Thirty Years War and an analysis of three alternative utopias provide the textual evidence for this study. Following the Introduction, chapter two describes the Stndebaum and clarifies the sociological terms of analysis. Chapters three through five each examines one portion of the hierarchically ordered tree and its respective representation: peasantry, nobility, and soldiery. Chapter six considers three utopian visions in ST as possible social alternatives to the Stndebaum society. The studys main concern is how Simplicius, in experiencing life at all sociological levels, presents and reflects the authors social criticism.