Saragossa · Chapter
XI explained
The chapter describes the fall of the fortress of San José and the subsequent defensive efforts in Saragossa.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
War and Dehumanization
The relentless bombardment and the dehumanizing effects of siege warfare on both soldiers and civilians, as seen in the constant casualties and the need to bury the dead quickly.
Survival and Human Endurance
The defenders' perseverance in rebuilding fortifications under fire and the civilian population's resilience in seeking shelter and maintaining hope.
National Identity and Destiny
The patriotic fervor and defiance expressed through songs and celebrations, reinforcing the Spanish national identity against the French invaders.
Characters to notice
- Augustine Montoria
Narrator and participant in the defense, observing the fall of San José and the subsequent rebuilding efforts.
- Don Ignacio Assor
Mentioned as the chief editor of the Gazette, possibly originating the hopeful rumors.
Key passages
“The fortress of San José had surrendered, or rather the French had entered it when their artillery had reduced it to powder, and all of its defenders had fallen, one by one, to lie among its fragments.”
San José fell after being bombarded into rubble, with its defenders killed one by one.
Describes the complete destruction of the fortress and its defenders.
“The proclamation said that every citizen should carry a gun in one hand and spade in the other.”
The order required all citizens to both fight and dig fortifications.
Highlights the total mobilization of the population.
“We were desperate, but without power to do anything. Our desperation was of no avail; it was a useless force, like the rage of a lunatic in his cage.”
Our despair was futile, like a madman's rage in a cell.
Expresses the helplessness felt by the defenders.
“The Virgin del Pilar says She wouldn’t like to be a Frenchwoman!”
The Virgin of the Pillar would not want to be French.
A patriotic song mocking the French, boosting morale.