# XXVIII explained — Saragossa

> Chapter companion for Saragossa by Benito Pérez Galdós.

## What happens

The chapter focuses on the intense fighting for the San Francisco convent, which is deemed crucial for the city's fate. As the French cannonade the structure, leading citizens, including Don José de Montoria, join the defense. Don José is wounded and cared for by Mariquilla Candiola, who tends to him with skill. The chapter culminates in a massive explosion that destroys much of San Francisco, leaving Don José in anguish over the fate of his son, Augustine, who was inside. The narrative also highlights the heroic resistance of the defenders, including a small group who hold out in the tower and harass the French with grenades.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroic Resistance and Patriotism

The chapter showcases the heroic resistance of the Saragossans, including leading citizens and peasants, who fight valiantly despite overwhelming odds. The defense of San Francisco becomes a symbol of their determination.

### Love and Sacrifice

Mariquilla's act of caring for her enemy, Don José, demonstrates a form of selfless compassion and sacrifice. Don José's concern for his son's fate also highlights the personal sacrifices made during the war.

### War and Dehumanization

The chapter depicts the brutal realities of war, with the wounded and dying crowded in houses, the constant threat of death, and the massive explosion that causes indiscriminate destruction.

### Family Honor and Duty

Don José's desire to fight despite his wound and his anguish over his son's fate reflect the sense of duty and family honor that drives the defenders.

## Character check-ins

### Augustine Montoria

Remains in the San Francisco convent in the face of the enemy; his fate is uncertain after the explosion.

### Don José de Montoria

Joins the defense, is wounded in the leg, and is cared for by Mariquilla. He is deeply distressed about his son's fate after the explosion.

### Mariquilla Candiola

Tends to Don José's wound with solicitude and deftness, showing compassion despite the enmity between their families.

### Don Araceli

The narrator, serves at the cannon in the Calle de San Gil and assists Don José after he is wounded.

### Don Mariano Cereso

Among the leading citizens who take up arms to defend San Francisco.

### Don Santiago Sas

Among the leading citizens who take up arms to defend San Francisco.

## Key lines

> Señor de Araceli, something is in my eyes. I cannot see anything. Curse this blood, how fast it runs out when it is most necessary to keep it. Won't you lend me a hand?

Don José calls for help, saying his vision is failing and lamenting the loss of blood, asking for assistance.

_Highlights Don José's physical state and his reliance on Araceli._

> It seems as if the whole world has blown up.

Don José exclaims that the explosion feels like the end of the world.

_Captures the sheer scale and shock of the explosion._

> My son was in the convent. My God, if thou art resolved upon his death also, may he die for his country at the post of honor.

Don José expresses his fear for his son's life, but accepts that if he must die, it should be honorably for his country.

_Reveals Don José's patriotism and his personal anguish._

## Links

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