# Book V: Marking Time explained — Seven Pillars of Wisdom

> Chapter companion for Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence.

## What happens

Following the capture of Akaba, the Hejaz war concludes and the Arab forces shift to supporting the British invasion of Syria. Feisal's army is placed under General Allenby's command, and the Akaba area is organized as a secure base for operations against the Hejaz Railway.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Guerrilla Tactics

The shift to a base at Akaba and the focus on harassing the Hejaz Railway exemplify the guerrilla strategy of disrupting Ottoman supply lines.

### Colonialism and Imperialism

Feisal's transfer to Allenby's command highlights the complex alliance between Arab nationalists and British imperial forces.

## Character check-ins

### Emir Feisal

Transferred with his army to Allenby's command, marking a new phase in the Arab revolt.

### General Allenby

Assumes responsibility for Feisal's operations and equipment as the Arab forces become the virtual right wing of his army.

### T.E. Lawrence

Narrates the reorganization and the strategic shift after Akaba.

## Key lines

> Our capture of Akaba closed the Hejaz war, and gave us the task of helping the British invade Syria.

Taking Akaba ended the fighting in the Hejaz and set us to work aiding the British in their invasion of Syria.

_Summarizes the strategic pivot after Akaba._

> To mark the changed relation Feisal, with his army, was transferred to Allenby’s command.

To reflect the new arrangement, Feisal and his forces were placed under Allenby's authority.

_Highlights the formal shift in command structure._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/book-v-marking-time
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters