# XVI explained — Saragossa > Chapter companion for Saragossa by Benito Pérez Galdós. ## What happens In the darkness before dawn, Augustine and Mariquilla share an intimate conversation. Mariquilla recounts the shame and humiliation she suffered due to her father's refusal to contribute to the war effort, including an incident where she was publicly mocked. She also tells of how her father turned away wounded soldiers, leaving them in the street. Despite her father's cruelty, Mariquilla's love for Augustine gives her strength and a superstitious belief that the Virgin del Pilar will protect him. As dawn breaks and the call to arms sounds, Augustine must leave for the defense of Las Tenerías. They are discovered by Candiola, who is furious, but they escape. On the way, they encounter Don José de Montoria, who mocks Candiola and forces Augustine to proceed to the lines. ## Themes in this chapter ### Love and Sacrifice Augustine and Mariquilla's love is tested by the war, with Mariquilla's prayers and secret acts of charity symbolizing her sacrifice for her beloved and the cause. ### Social Class and Prejudice Mariquilla suffers public humiliation due to her father's miserliness and lack of patriotism, highlighting the social stigma attached to those who do not contribute to the war effort. ### Family Honor and Duty Mariquilla's filial devotion conflicts with her father's dishonorable behavior, while Augustine is torn between his love for Mariquilla and his duty to his father and country. ### Religious Faith and Superstition Mariquilla and Augustine both express superstitious beliefs in divine protection, with the Virgin del Pilar serving as a symbol of hope and safety amidst the bombardment. ## Character check-ins ### Augustine Montoria Shares a tender moment with Mariquilla, expressing his love and superstitions. He is torn between his duty to fight and his desire to protect her. ### Mariquilla Candiola Reveals her deep shame over her father's actions and her unwavering love for Augustine, believing her prayers will keep him safe. ### Candiola Appears threateningly at the window as Augustine and the narrator leave, angry at their presence. ### Don José de Montoria Encountered on the way to the lines, he mocks Candiola and forces Augustine to proceed to the defense, showing his disdain for Candiola's lack of patriotism. ### Doña Guedita Helps Mariquilla in secret, preparing food and bandages for the wounded, and warns the lovers of Candiola's approach. ### Father Mateo del Busto Mentioned as the friar who secretly takes the food and bandages to the wounded, acting as a go-between. ## Key lines > I admire your noble filial affection. But you must think of this. I do not exonerate those who maltreated your father. But you must not forget that he is the only one who has not given anything for the war. Augustine praises Mariquilla's loyalty to her father but points out that her father's refusal to contribute to the war effort is the cause of the public's resentment. _Highlights the tension between family loyalty and civic duty._ > The shame of it seemed burning in my blood. Mariquilla describes the intense humiliation she felt after being publicly shamed for her father's stinginess. _Emphasizes the emotional impact of social prejudice._ > To the lines, cowards! said his father, holding him with an iron hand. That is the work of women; men must die in the breach. Don José Montoria rebukes Augustine for wanting to check on Mariquilla, insisting that men must focus on fighting rather than on domestic concerns. _Illustrates the gendered expectations of heroism and duty during the siege._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xvi - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saragossa_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saragossa_se/chapters