# XVIII explained — Saragossa

> Chapter companion for Saragossa by Benito Pérez Galdós.

## What happens

In the aftermath of a fierce battle, Augustine and Araceli navigate the devastated streets of Saragossa, facing hunger, cold, and the epidemic. They encounter Don José de Montoria, who criticizes their lack of aggression and plans the next day's defense. Later, Mariquilla Candiola, whose home was destroyed by bombs, finds Augustine and seeks help. Despite her father's refusal to leave the ruins, Augustine and Araceli take her to safety at Manuela Sancho's house. The chapter also describes a nocturnal underground skirmish with French troops, highlighting the relentless urban warfare and the suffering of civilians and soldiers alike.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Dehumanization

The chapter depicts the dehumanizing effects of war: soldiers and civilians endure extreme hunger, cold, and disease, and the fighting reduces people to desperate, animal-like states.

### Love and Sacrifice

Augustine's care for Mariquilla, risking his safety to help her, illustrates personal love amidst the chaos of war.

### Heroic Resistance and Patriotism

Despite overwhelming odds, the defenders of Saragossa, including Don José, vow to fight to the last, showing unwavering patriotism and resistance.

## Character check-ins

### Augustine Montoria

Shows concern for Mariquilla and provides her shelter, while also enduring the hardships of the siege.

### Mariquilla Candiola

Her house is destroyed by bombs; she seeks Augustine's help and is taken to safety.

### Don José de Montoria

Criticizes the younger men's performance and plans the next day's defense, showing relentless determination.

### Don Araceli

Narrates the events, describing the horrors of war and the struggle for survival.

### Manuela Sancho

Provides refuge for Mariquilla in her house.

## Key lines

> “This thing must end soon in one way or the other,” I answered; “either the city will surrender, or we shall all perish.”

Araceli tells Augustine that the siege must conclude soon, either with surrender or total destruction.

_Reflects the dire situation and the hopelessness felt by the defenders._

> “Little has been accomplished tonight,” said Montoria. “Our men have been a bit remiss. It is true that it was not possible to drive them all out, nor ought we to have come out into the open, though the French attacked us with little energy.”

Don José criticizes the night's efforts, noting that the French were not fully repelled and that the defenders should have stayed in cover.

_Shows Don José's high expectations and his tactical assessment of the battle._

> “I cannot sleep,” said Montoria, walking on along the Coso. “I know where you are going. We are not permitted to go as far as that, Augustine.”

Augustine refuses to rest, hinting that he intends to visit Mariquilla, but Araceli reminds him that they are not allowed to go there.

_Reveals Augustine's emotional turmoil and the restrictions imposed by the war._

## Links

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