Saragossa · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Saragossa by Benito Pérez Galdós.
Chapter 1
Epigraph
The epigraph, drawn from Napier's Peninsular War, foreshadows the enduring legacy of Zaragoza's heroic resistance, framing the city as a timeless monument of Spanish valor amidst the obscurity of history.
Chapter 2
Saragossa
The chapter 'Saragossa' from 'Saragossa: A Story of Spanish Valor' presents a vivid narrative of the siege of Saragossa, focusing on the heroic resistance of its inhabitants against the French forces. It details the intense battles, the strategic defense of the city, and the personal sacrifices of key figures like Augustine Montoria and Mariquilla Candiola. The chapter highlights themes of patriotism, love, and the brutal dehumanization of war, while chronicling pivotal events such as the Battle of the Suburb, the fall of San José, and the ultimate surrender of the city.
Chapter 3
I
The narrator and three companions, having escaped from French captivity, arrive in Saragossa on the evening of the eighteenth. Exhausted and nearly penniless, they wander the city and take shelter among the ruins of the monastery of Santa Engracia, where they encounter beggars. Don Roque, one of the group, mentions his old friend Don José de Montoria, a wealthy citizen of Saragossa, and plans to seek his help the next day.
Chapter 4
II
The narrator and Don Roque, accompanied by two others, are guided through the ruined streets of Saragossa by a loquacious beggar named Sursum Corda. Despite their hunger and impatience, Sursum Corda regales them with vivid tales of the recent siege, recounting the heroic deeds of various patriots, the destruction of buildings, and the fierce fighting against the French. Eventually, he leads them to the house of Don José de Montoria.
Chapter 5
III
Don José de Montoria is not at home, so Don Roque and the narrator (Don Araceli) travel to his country house (torre) outside Saragossa. They find him cutting down olive trees as part of the defensive preparations for a second siege. Montoria welcomes them with brusque, generous hospitality, feeding them abundantly. He then shows them the fortifications being built in the western part of the city, including the battery at Portillo and the walls connecting convents. The chapter highlights Montoria's patriotic sacrifice and the makeshift nature of Saragossa's defenses.
Chapter 6
IV
The narrator, Gabriel, describes his enlistment in the Saragossan forces during the second siege. He is aided by Don José de Montoria, who provides him with a place in the battalion of volunteers of the Peñas of San Pedro. Gabriel becomes inseparable friends with Augustine Montoria, Don José's son, who also joins the battalion. The chapter details the French army's approach and the initial skirmishes, highlighting the heroic spirit of the Saragossans. It also provides a character sketch of Don José, a man of great patriotism and generosity, and introduces his family, including his wife Doña Leocadia and his son Augustine, who is destined for the Church but lacks a true vocation.
Chapter 7
V
In this chapter, Augustine Montoria confides in Gabriel about his love for Mariquilla Candiola, describing how he first met her through Father Rincón and how his feelings have transformed his life. He also gives Gabriel instructions to deliver a message to Mariquilla if he dies in battle, revealing the depth of his devotion amidst the siege of Saragossa.
Chapter 8
VI
The chapter describes the French assault on the fortified positions of Torrero and the subsequent attack on San José. The defenders, including Augustine and the narrator, observe the battle from the redoubt of Los Mártires. The French initially capture Torrero but are repulsed at San José. The narrative highlights the resilience of the Aragonese people and the strategic errors of the French, who underestimate the defenders' determination. The chapter also depicts the movement of troops towards the suburb and the intense fighting along the Barcelona road, culminating in the French retreat after suffering heavy losses.
Chapter 9
VII
In this chapter, Gabriel and Augustine attend a fervent religious gathering at the Basilica del Pilar, where the crowd displays intense devotion to the Virgin. Augustine spots Mariquilla and pushes through the crowd to see her, confirming his passionate love. However, her father, Candiola, abruptly appears and drags her away, revealing his hostile and miserly nature. Augustine confides in Gabriel about the impossibility of his love, given the deep animosity between his father and Candiola, and his family's expectation that he become a bishop. He expresses his despair and his hope that the Virgin will guide him.
Chapter 10
VIII
The chapter describes the aftermath of the glorious action of the twenty-first, with Palafox's defiant response to surrender terms and the preparation of sorties against the French besiegers. It details several sorties, including Renovales' attack on the olive grove, Don John O'Neill's sally, and the major sortie on the thirty-first, where Augustine and his battalion participate in a fierce assault on French entrenchments. The sortie is successful, causing significant damage and taking prisoners, and the troops return to a hero's welcome. Augustine receives a minor wound from a French soldier's teeth, and the chapter ends with Father Boggiero's inspiring speech and the awarding of a red ribbon decoration.
Chapter 11
IX
The chapter describes the beginning of the second siege of Saragossa, focusing on the daily life and skirmishes at the redoubt del Pilar. It introduces the character Pirli, a jovial rustic soldier, and Tío Garcés, a brave and talkative veteran. The narrative highlights the role of women like Manuela Sancho, who overcomes her fear to fire a gun, and the communal spirit of the defenders.
Chapter 12
The Eleventh Day: The Breach
At dawn, Augustine and Montoria prepare for a bombardment. The French attack San José and the Pilar redoubt. After hours of fighting, the defenders of the Pilar redoubt momentarily flee in panic, but Manuela Sancho's heroic advance rallies them to defend the breach. The redoubt holds, and Palafox's words inspire the defenders.
Chapter 13
XI
The chapter describes the fall of the fortress of San José and the subsequent defensive efforts in Saragossa. The French, having taken San José, begin mining operations against the remaining fortifications. The defenders, including civilians and clergy, work to rebuild walls with sacks of earth. Despite the dire situation, a false rumor of relief armies lifts spirits, leading to celebrations. The bombardment continues, causing many casualties and forcing the wounded to seek refuge in churches, particularly the Pilar.
Chapter 14
XII
The chapter opens with a violent confrontation between Don José de Montoria and Candiola over flour for the besieged city. Montoria accuses Candiola of hoarding resources and being unpatriotic, while Candiola refuses to sell at the official price. The argument escalates into a physical struggle, with Montoria ultimately prevailing and seizing the flour. Mariquilla, Candiola's daughter, appears and defiantly throws the payment money back at Montoria before rescuing her father from the mob. The chapter then shifts to a conversation between Don Araceli and Doña Leocadia, who discusses her son Augustine's military prowess and her hopes for his future as a priest, while also revealing the dire state of their home after bombardments.
Chapter 15
XIII
Gabriel searches for Augustine and finds him at the powder mill, where Augustine expresses his despair and desire for a spectacular death. Gabriel then describes the fortifications of Las Tenerías, a weak point in the city's defenses, detailing the layout and preparations made by the inhabitants.
Chapter 16
XIV
Augustine Montoria and Gabriel stand guard at the Molino, then assist with night duties in the city, including burying the dead and carrying ammunition. Augustine is preoccupied with thoughts of Mariquilla, wishing to visit her despite the danger. Don José de Montoria confronts them, berating them for idleness and pointing to a gallows for traitors and cowards. The chapter highlights the grim realities of war, the epidemic, and the tension between personal longing and civic duty.
Chapter 17
XV
In this chapter, the secret love between Augustine Montoria and Mariquilla Candiola deepens as they meet in the garden of the Candiola house. Mariquilla recounts the humiliation of her father at the hands of a mob, and her own fierce reaction, while Augustine expresses his unwavering love and hope for a miracle to unite them despite the social barriers. Their intimate conversation is interrupted by the alarm of a bomb, and the chapter closes with the sound of Candiola's voice approaching, threatening to discover them.
Chapter 18
XVI
In the darkness before dawn, Augustine and Mariquilla share an intimate conversation. Mariquilla recounts the shame and humiliation she suffered due to her father's refusal to contribute to the war effort, including an incident where she was publicly mocked. She also tells of how her father turned away wounded soldiers, leaving them in the street. Despite her father's cruelty, Mariquilla's love for Augustine gives her strength and a superstitious belief that the Virgin del Pilar will protect him. As dawn breaks and the call to arms sounds, Augustine must leave for the defense of Las Tenerías. They are discovered by Candiola, who is furious, but they escape. On the way, they encounter Don José de Montoria, who mocks Candiola and forces Augustine to proceed to the lines.
Chapter 19
XVII
The chapter depicts the intense French assault on Saragossa's defenses, focusing on the battle at the breach and the collapse of buildings under artillery fire. The narrator and his companions, including Augustine, Pirli, and Uncle Garcés, are forced to flee as their position is destroyed. Amidst the chaos, they encounter Manuela Sancho and another woman heroically firing from a window, refusing to retreat despite the imminent danger. The narrative highlights the extraordinary courage and stubborn resistance of the Aragonese people against overwhelming odds.
Chapter 20
XVIII
In the aftermath of a fierce battle, Augustine and Araceli navigate the devastated streets of Saragossa, facing hunger, cold, and the epidemic. They encounter Don José de Montoria, who criticizes their lack of aggression and plans the next day's defense. Later, Mariquilla Candiola, whose home was destroyed by bombs, finds Augustine and seeks help. Despite her father's refusal to leave the ruins, Augustine and Araceli take her to safety at Manuela Sancho's house. The chapter also describes a nocturnal underground skirmish with French troops, highlighting the relentless urban warfare and the suffering of civilians and soldiers alike.
Chapter 21
XIX
The chapter depicts the aftermath of the bombardment, with the Audiencia burning and Candiola's house in ruins. The narrator finds Candiola amidst the rubble, surrounded by a mocking crowd, and tries to persuade him to leave. Candiola, consumed by grief and paranoia, recounts discovering his daughter Mariquilla with two men, his subsequent rage, and the bombing that destroyed his home. He refuses to abandon his property, obsessing over hidden treasures and receipts, while the narrator attempts to reason with him.
Chapter 22
XX
The chapter describes the aftermath of the assault on the convent of Santa Mónica, where the volunteers of Huesca fought bravely but were ultimately overwhelmed. The French, under Lannes, bombarded the convent, and after a fierce struggle, the building collapsed, burying many. The survivors, including Don Pedro Villacampa, retreated. The next morning, mass was celebrated in the Coso, and a mob executed a man named Fernando Estello for hoarding beds. Palafox issued a proclamation to boost morale, threatening death for deserters and promising rewards for recruits.
Chapter 23
XXI
The chapter describes the brutal house-to-house fighting in Saragossa, focusing on the defense of the San Augustine monastery and the adjacent houses. The narrator, Araceli, and his friend Pirli are promoted to sergeants and join the Estremadura battalion. They engage in fierce combat, recapturing houses from the French. Amidst the chaos, Araceli encounters Mariquilla and her father Candiola, who have taken refuge. Augustine Montoria is wounded in the arm. The chapter highlights the overwhelming casualties, the scarcity of supplies, and the growing apathy and indifference to death among the besieged.
Chapter 24
XXII
The chapter details the intense and chaotic battle for the San Augustine convent and church. The defenders, including Augustine, fight fiercely against the French, who have taken the high altar and use the church's ornate architecture as a fortress. Tío Garcés heroically defends the pulpit until he is killed. The defenders are eventually forced to retreat, and the monks, who had promised food and wine, can only offer dry bread and beef jerky, as the French have seized the main provisions. The chapter ends with the defenders leaving the church, and Augustine remembering the great Pirli, who has disappeared.
Chapter 25
XXIII
The chapter depicts the intense street fighting in Saragossa, focusing on the defense of the Calle de Pabostre. The French use mines to destroy houses, causing panic among the defenders. Palafox appears to rally the troops, and the narrative praises his leadership and symbolic role. Manuela Sancho is highlighted as a heroic woman who fights and is wounded. The chapter emphasizes the brutal nature of urban combat and the morale-boosting presence of Palafox.
Chapter 26
XXIV
In the midst of the relentless siege, Araceli, exhausted and starving, wanders through the burning streets of Saragossa. He encounters Father Mateo del Busto, who is mortally wounded but continues to minister to the dying. After the friar's death, Araceli meets Candiola, who is frantic over the loss of his financial receipts in the fire, showing his obsession with material wealth even amid catastrophe.
Chapter 27
XXV
The chapter depicts the aftermath of a battle, focusing on the Montoria family's grief. Manuel Montoria has been killed, and his young son is dying. Don José de Montoria, though devastated, insists on duty and sends his remaining son, Augustine, back to the lines. The scene is one of widespread death and suffering, with bodies piled in the streets. Candiola appears, attempting to profiteer by selling a chicken at an exorbitant price, leading to a confrontation with Gabriel and Don José, who pays the inflated price. The chapter highlights the dehumanizing effects of war and the stark contrast between heroic endurance and petty greed.
Chapter 28
XXVI
The chapter depicts the dire state of the siege in early February. The French have taken the Convent of Jerusalem, and the defenders are exhausted and facing dwindling supplies. Palafox issues proclamations to rally the citizens, offering honors and threatening punishment for defeatism. The narrator's battalion is merged and sent to guard San Francisco, where they engage in dangerous underground counter-mining operations against the French. Amidst this, Don José de Montoria confronts Candiola, who insults Augustine. A mob of soldiers, suspecting Candiola of being a French agent, nearly throws him into a well, but he is saved by the narrator and a comrade. Later, Don José speaks with Father Luengo about his son's future, expressing his willingness to sacrifice Augustine for national honor. Mariquilla appears, searching for her missing father.
Chapter 29
XXVII
The chapter focuses on a quiet interlude during the siege, where Augustine and Mariquilla share a tender moment, discussing their hopes for the future and the end of the war. Mariquilla reveals her father's suspicious visit to the French lines, while Augustine comforts her. The chapter also highlights the ongoing mining operations and the threat of French attacks, as the characters prepare for a major battle.
Chapter 30
XXVIII
The chapter focuses on the intense fighting for the San Francisco convent, which is deemed crucial for the city's fate. As the French cannonade the structure, leading citizens, including Don José de Montoria, join the defense. Don José is wounded and cared for by Mariquilla Candiola, who tends to him with skill. The chapter culminates in a massive explosion that destroys much of San Francisco, leaving Don José in anguish over the fate of his son, Augustine, who was inside. The narrative also highlights the heroic resistance of the defenders, including a small group who hold out in the tower and harass the French with grenades.
Chapter 31
XXIX
The chapter depicts the final, desperate days of the siege of Saragossa, where the city is being systematically destroyed by French mines and explosions. The narrative describes the surreal horror of living on ground that is no longer stable, the silence of a dying city, and the universal, unspoken thought of surrender. In the midst of this, Gabriel encounters Augustine Montoria, who is tormented by an order to execute Candiola, who has been condemned as a traitor. Mariquilla Candiola confronts Augustine, begging him to save her father, and their emotional exchange reveals the depth of her love and her despair. The arrival of Don José de Montoria adds another layer of tension to the scene.
Chapter 32
The Nightmare of Surrender
The chapter depicts the final, harrowing days of the Siege of Saragossa through the fevered, traumatized perspective of Gabriel de Araceli. He is haunted by a recurring nightmare of being forced to order a firing squad, a vision that blurs with the waking horrors of the city's collapse. The French have breached the defenses, the city is in ruins, and the epidemic is decimating the population. As the survivors emerge as spectres, the French enter a desolate Saragossa, and the narrator reflects on the immense sacrifice of fifty-three thousand lives, asserting that while the French Empire was a passing tempest, the Spanish idea of nationality has been hallowed and made permanent by this heroic, sacrificial defense.
Chapter 33
XXXI
In the aftermath of the fall of Saragossa, Gabriel encounters Augustine Montoria, who is burying Mariquilla. Augustine expresses his profound grief and despair, revealing his love for her. Don José de Montoria arrives, questioning Augustine's actions, but Augustine remains resolute in his devotion. The chapter also recounts the French occupation, the murders of Santiago Sas and Father Basilio Boggiero, and the fate of Palafox. Don Roque shares news of the French plundering and the sorrow of the Montoria family, as Augustine decides to become a priest. Gabriel, weakened, prepares to leave the ruined city.
Chapter 34
Endnotes
The endnotes provide historical and geographical clarifications about the locations mentioned in the narrative, noting the current state of the Convent of Jerusalem, the former hospital site, and the Palace of Deputies built on the Convent of San Francisco.
