Saragossa · Chapter
XIII explained
Gabriel searches for Augustine and finds him at the powder mill, where Augustine expresses his despair and desire for a spectacular death.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
War and Dehumanization
Augustine's desire for a violent death reflects the dehumanizing effects of war, reducing life to a desire for destruction.
Love and Sacrifice
Augustine's despair is driven by his love for Mariquilla and the sacrifice he feels compelled to make.
Characters to notice
- Augustine Montoria
Found at the powder mill, working feverishly and expressing his desperation and desire for a dramatic death.
- Gabriel
Narrator who searches for Augustine and describes the fortifications of Las Tenerías.
- Mariquilla Candiola
Mentioned by Augustine as the object of his anguish, having witnessed her defending her father.
- Candiola
Mentioned as being maltreated by the crowd, causing Augustine's despair.
Key passages
“I say that if this immense quantity of powder were as big as Saragossa I should like it still better. Yes, and in such a case I should like to be the only inhabitant of this great city.”
Augustine wishes the powder were as large as the city itself, and that he were the sole inhabitant, so he could blow it all up.
Augustine's hyperbolic desire for destruction highlights his extreme despair.
“I will run into the place of greatest danger and fling myself into the fire of the French.”
Augustine plans to seek out the most dangerous spot and throw himself into the enemy's fire.
His intention to seek death in battle underscores his desperation.