Saragossa · Chapter
VIII explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Heroic Resistance and Patriotism
The chapter showcases the defenders' valor and patriotism in the sorties, with Palafox's defiant refusal to surrender and the troops' fierce attacks.
War and Dehumanization
The brutal nature of the fighting is depicted, including hand-to-hand combat, prisoners being shot, and soldiers preferring death by fire over capture.
Survival and Human Endurance
The defenders endure the dangers of sorties and the looming threat of hunger, highlighting their resilience.
Characters to notice
- Augustine Montoria
Participates in the sortie on the thirty-first, survives unharmed, and receives a minor bite wound from a French soldier.
- Don Araceli
Narrates the chapter, describing his experiences in the sortie and his concern for Augustine's safety.
- Palafox
Defiantly refuses surrender terms and issues a proclamation, though it is attributed to Basilio Boggiero.
- Basilio Boggiero
Composes Palafox's proclamation and delivers an inspiring speech after the sortie.
- Renovales
Leads the sortie on the thirty-first, attacking the enemy's centre with vigor.
- Juan Pirli
A companion in the battalion, carries a steel helmet and a frying-pan as trophies from the sortie.
Key passages
“I do not know how to surrender. After death, we will talk about that.”
Palafox refuses to consider surrender, stating that he will only discuss it after death.
Palafox's defiant response to the French surrender proposal.
“Yesterday you marked the last day of the year with an action worthy of yourselves. At the sound of the bugle your swords leaped from their scabbards and struck to the ground haughty heads humbled by your valor and patriotism.”
Father Boggiero praises the soldiers for their heroic action on the previous day, noting how their swords struck down enemies with valor and patriotism.
Father Boggiero's speech after the sortie, commending the troops.