Saragossa · Chapter
XIV explained
Augustine Montoria and Gabriel stand guard at the Molino, then assist with night duties in the city, including burying the dead and carrying ammunition.
What happens
Augustine Montoria and Gabriel stand guard at the Molino, then assist with night duties in the city, including burying the dead and carrying ammunition. Augustine is preoccupied with thoughts of Mariquilla, wishing to visit her despite the danger. Don José de Montoria confronts them, berating them for idleness and pointing to a gallows for traitors and cowards. The chapter highlights the grim realities of war, the epidemic, and the tension between personal longing and civic duty.
Themes in this chapter
War and Dehumanization
The constant bombardment, the gallows for traitors, and the casual disposal of the dead reflect the brutalizing effects of war.
Love and Sacrifice
Augustine's longing for Mariquilla contrasts with his duty, and he must sacrifice personal desire for the city's survival.
Family Honor and Duty
Don José's harsh reprimand and his pointing to the gallows underscore the pressure to fulfill one's duty for honor and country.
Characters to notice
- Augustine Montoria
Gloomy and taciturn, he longs to visit Mariquilla despite the bombardment, and reluctantly participates in burying the dead.
- Gabriel
Narrator and companion to Augustine, tries to cheer him and shares in the night duties.
- Juan Pirli
Appears in a torn friar's habit and French helmet, suggests going to the cartridge factory for diversion, but joins in burying the dead.
- Don José de Montoria
Angrily confronts the young men, pointing to the gallows and urging them to work, showing his harsh and patriotic zeal.
Key passages
“It is ten by the clock of the Torre Nueva. Do you know—I wish to go there tonight.”
Augustine tells Gabriel it's ten o'clock and that he wants to visit Mariquilla's house that night.
Shows Augustine's preoccupation with Mariquilla despite the danger.
“Here you can see what we have been getting ready this evening. Look! There’s where those who do not do their duty will be entertained.”
Don José points to the gallows and warns that those who shirk their duty will be hanged.
Highlights the harsh discipline and patriotic fervor of the defenders.
“I say the race of men of courage is finished and done with, porra ! a thousand porras !”
Don José laments that the current generation lacks the courage of the previous siege's heroes.
Reflects his disdain for what he sees as cowardice and weakness.