Saragossa · Chapter
IV explained
The narrator, Gabriel, describes his enlistment in the Saragossan forces during the second siege.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Heroic Resistance and Patriotism
The chapter emphasizes the legendary heroism of the Saragossans, their refusal to surrender, and the narrator's enthusiasm for joining the fight.
Family Honor and Duty
Don José's family embodies honor and duty, with Augustine expected to enter the Church, while the family supports the patriotic cause.
Social Class and Prejudice
The chapter touches on the social distinctions within the city, such as the battalion of San Pablo being exclusive to residents, and the contrast between Don José's rough manners and the more refined education of his son.
Characters to notice
- Augustine Montoria
Don José's younger son, destined for the Church but lacking vocation; becomes Gabriel's inseparable friend and fellow soldier in the battalion of Las Peñas de San Pedro.
- Don José de Montoria
A wealthy, patriotic, and generous man of about sixty; helps Gabriel enlist and offers him money; described with a rough but kind character.
- Don Roque
Gabriel's friend who accompanies him to Saragossa and stays with him at Montoria's house.
- Doña Leocadia Sarriera
Don José's wife, a Navarraise by birth; part of the Montoria family that welcomes Gabriel.
Key passages
“Surrender, and we will give you clothes,” said the French in the first siege, admiring the constancy of a few poor countrymen dressed in rags. “ We do not know how to surrender ,” they made answer; “ and our bodies shall be clothed with glory.”
The French offered clothing to the ragged defenders, but the Saragossans replied that they did not know how to surrender and would be clothed in glory instead.
Highlights the defiant and heroic spirit of the Saragossans.
“His heart, like that of his father, was filled by generosity which overflowed at the least impulse; but he was not likely to wound the feelings of a friend, because education had taken from him a great deal of the national brusqueness.”
Augustine inherited his father's generosity but was more refined due to his education, making him less blunt than the typical Aragonese.
Contrasts the characters of father and son, showing the influence of education.