# XXVII explained — Saragossa

> Chapter companion for Saragossa by Benito Pérez Galdós.

## What happens

The chapter focuses on a quiet interlude during the siege, where Augustine and Mariquilla share a tender moment, discussing their hopes for the future and the end of the war. Mariquilla reveals her father's suspicious visit to the French lines, while Augustine comforts her. The chapter also highlights the ongoing mining operations and the threat of French attacks, as the characters prepare for a major battle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Augustine and Mariquilla's tender moment amidst the war, their hopes for a future together, and their willingness to endure hardship for each other.

### War and Dehumanization

The constant threat of violence, the displacement of civilians, and the psychological toll of the siege on individuals like Candiola and the Montoria family.

### Survival and Human Endurance

The characters' resilience in the face of bombardment, displacement, and loss, as they seek moments of peace and hope.

## Character check-ins

### Augustine Montoria

Shows deep affection for Mariquilla, expresses hope for a peaceful future, and comforts her as she sleeps.

### Mariquilla Candiola

Shares her fears about her father's actions, expresses happiness and hope, and falls asleep in Augustine's arms.

### Candiola

Mentioned as having been maltreated and swearing revenge, and crossing into the French lines to collect a debt.

### Don Araceli

Narrator who observes the scene, investigates the mining noises, and reports to the engineers.

### Renovales

Mentioned as the person to be informed about the mining activity.

## Key lines

> We have nowhere to stay,” said Mariquilla. “We were in a portico in the Órgano alley; but we were driven out. Why is it that so many people detest my poor father? What harm has he done them?

Mariquilla laments that she and her father are constantly being driven from their shelters, and she cannot understand why people hate her father so much.

_Highlights the social ostracism faced by Candiola and his daughter._

> Mariquilla of my heart,” said Augustine, “let us hope that the siege will soon be finished by some means or other. I hope that God will let us both die, if living we may not be happy.

Augustine expresses his wish that the siege will end soon, and that if they cannot be happy in life, they might at least die together.

_Shows Augustine's despair and his deep love for Mariquilla._

> This morning I went to the Pilar; when I knelt before the Virgin, it seemed to me that our holy Lady looked at me and smiled.

Mariquilla describes a spiritual experience where she felt the Virgin Mary smiled at her, giving her a sense of hope and happiness.

_Reflects the religious faith and superstition prevalent during the siege._

## Links

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