Saragossa · Chapter
XXXI explained
In the aftermath of the fall of Saragossa, Gabriel encounters Augustine Montoria, who is burying Mariquilla.
What happens
In the aftermath of the fall of Saragossa, Gabriel encounters Augustine Montoria, who is burying Mariquilla. Augustine expresses his profound grief and despair, revealing his love for her. Don José de Montoria arrives, questioning Augustine's actions, but Augustine remains resolute in his devotion. The chapter also recounts the French occupation, the murders of Santiago Sas and Father Basilio Boggiero, and the fate of Palafox. Don Roque shares news of the French plundering and the sorrow of the Montoria family, as Augustine decides to become a priest. Gabriel, weakened, prepares to leave the ruined city.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Augustine's devotion to Mariquilla, even in death, and his willingness to bury her alone, highlights the theme of love transcending death and personal sacrifice.
War and Dehumanization
The brutal murders of Sas and Boggiero, the plundering of treasures, and the general desolation illustrate the dehumanizing effects of war.
Family Honor and Duty
Don José's concern for his family's honor and his grief over his sons' fates reflect the theme of family duty amidst tragedy.
Survival and Human Endurance
Gabriel's physical weakness and the survivors' efforts to bury the dead and continue amidst ruins demonstrate human endurance.
Characters to notice
- Augustine Montoria
Grief-stricken, buries Mariquilla and declares his despair, planning to become a priest.
- Mariquilla Candiola
Found dead without wounds, her body is buried by Augustine.
- Don José de Montoria
Appears aged and sorrowful, questions Augustine's actions, and is deeply affected by his sons' fates.
- Gabriel
Narrator, weakened by wounds and illness, witnesses the burial and hears news of the occupation.
- Don Roque
Leaves the city, shares news of French atrocities and the fate of Palafox and others.
- Basilio Boggiero
Mentioned as murdered by the French, thrown into the river.
- Don Santiago Sas
Mentioned as murdered by the French, thrown into the river.
- Palafox
Mentioned as being taken prisoner to France despite promises.
Key passages
“Señor, my father, I am burying Mariquilla.”
Augustine tells his father that he is burying Mariquilla.
Augustine's calm response to his father's question, showing his focus on Mariquilla.
“Mariquilla’s body shows no wounds, nor any of the signs which the epidemic leaves in the face.”
Mariquilla's body has no wounds or signs of the epidemic.
Augustine notes that Mariquilla died without any visible cause.
“They have permitted the French to enter the city, when it might still have been defended a couple of months more.”
Don José laments that the French were allowed in when the city could have held out longer.
Don José's bitterness about the surrender.
“I never believed that the French mob would be so vile.”
Don Roque expresses his disbelief at the cruelty of the French.
Don Roque's shock at the French atrocities.
“They say that they went and called up Father Basilio at midnight, pretending that they wished to entrust an important commission to him; and then they took him on their treacherous bayonets to the bridge, where they pierced him through, and flung him into the river.”
Father Basilio was lured out at night and murdered by the French, who threw his body into the river.
Don Roque recounts the murder of Father Basilio.
