# XX explained — Saragossa

> Chapter companion for Saragossa by Benito Pérez Galdós.

## What happens

The chapter describes the aftermath of the assault on the convent of Santa Mónica, where the volunteers of Huesca fought bravely but were ultimately overwhelmed. The French, under Lannes, bombarded the convent, and after a fierce struggle, the building collapsed, burying many. The survivors, including Don Pedro Villacampa, retreated. The next morning, mass was celebrated in the Coso, and a mob executed a man named Fernando Estello for hoarding beds. Palafox issued a proclamation to boost morale, threatening death for deserters and promising rewards for recruits.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroic Resistance and Patriotism

The volunteers of Huesca and other defenders show extraordinary bravery, refusing to surrender even when overwhelmed.

### War and Dehumanization

The brutal reality of war is shown through the collapse of the convent burying hundreds, and the summary execution of Estello by a mob.

### Survival and Human Endurance

Despite catastrophic losses, the defenders continue to fight, and the city's inhabitants endure the ongoing siege.

## Character check-ins

### Don Pedro Villacampa

Commander of the Huesca volunteers; escaped the convent collapse through an underground door and looked for his men.

### Don José de Montoria

Present during the fight; acknowledged the bravery of the Huesca volunteers and urged defense of nearby houses.

### Palafox

Hurried to the point of danger during the assault on Santa Mónica and issued a proclamation to raise spirits.

### Marshal Lannes

Exasperated by Saragossan tenacity, ordered the convent reduced to powder.

## Key lines

> The volunteers of Huesca have not borne themselves badly,” he said. “They are known to be good fellows.

Don José de Montoria praised the Huesca volunteers for their brave conduct.

_Acknowledgment of the volunteers' courage._

> The wrath of the populace was not to be restrained. I have heard that he was innocent.

The mob's anger was uncontrollable, and although the narrator heard Estello was innocent, he was executed anyway.

_Reflects the mob mentality and injustice during the siege._

## Links

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