# XIII explained — Saragossa

> Chapter companion for Saragossa by Benito Pérez Galdós.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saragossa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saragossa_se/chapters